2018 Villa Creek 'Rocks & Flowers' Red Blend Paso Robles

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: Brambly red berries dominate the nose with braised lamb, provencal herbs and green tea ice cream. Pure and clean aromas. Medium-plus weight with grippy tannins; red fruit going brighter on the palate. Sweet cream on the finish. Blend: 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan.

Cris and JoAnn Cherry moved to Paso Robles in 1996 to open a restaurant, partake in the burgeoning wine scene and raise their children in the country. In 2001, they purchased their first grapes to make wine for their restaurant. And so began Villa Creek Cellars, their best expression of west Paso Robles' Rhone grape varieties. Today, they farm their own certified biodynamic and certified organic vineyard, the MAHA Estate in the hills west of Paso Robles. They continue to purchase grapes from the region's most esteemed vineyards and strive to create exciting wines that reflect the land from which they originated.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Vinous - "Glass-staining ruby. Highly fragrant scents of black raspberry, boysenberry, Indian spices, baking spices and candied flowers, along with a smoky element that builds in the glass. Smooth and seamless in texture, offering palate-coating red/blue fruits, spice-cake and floral pastille flavors that deliver an appealing marriage of depth and energy. Closes spicy, gently tannic and very long, leaving repeating spice and floral notes behind. This is the wine formerly known as Willow Creek Cuvee. "


Wine Spectator - "A compelling red that's handsomely built and lively. Offers blackberry, bittersweet chocolate and smoky garrigue accents that finish with medium-grained tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Drink now through 2029. 368 cases made"