2020 Herman Story 'Casual Encounters' Red Blend California

Winemaker Notes: Forget the polo-field-sized pool and the bold-blackberry brass band. You’re here among the West Egg elite for one reason: Gatsby’s private stash. While the enigmatic mogul carouses with violet-sequined flappers and crème brûlée cabaret dancers, you’ve stolen away to the cellar. There, among the toasted rum barrels Jay may or may not have bootlegged, is the real flamboyance. Inky-cored opulence—resin-soaked boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the plum-jam past. You’re lost in it, and when you turn, there’s the man himself. Your move, old sport.

Blend: 58% Mourvèdre, 34% Syrah, 8% Grenache.

Before he was a winemaker, a self-proclaimed black belt, and an internationally renowned runway model, Russell always had a borderline-concerning obsession with great food and wine. After graduating from Cal Poly with a few winery internships (and a bunch of noise complaints) under his belt, he started Herman Story in 2001 with seven humble barrels of Syrah stashed in his employer's cellar. What started as an homage to his grandfather grew into a lineup of the most boisterous, buckle-up-and-hang-on, Rhône-inspired wines on the Central Coast. Today, after 20+ years and a bunch more noise complaints, Russell hasn't lost a shred of his passion for wine, people, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Off the clock, you'll find him whipping up salsa verde, floating the Salinas River, or trying to break the world record for longest distance pulling a Learjet 45 by beard.

 CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Jeb Dunnuck - "More Mourvèdre-dominated, the 2020 Casual Encounters is a blend of 58% Mourvèdre, 34% Syrah, and 8% Grenache. Blackberries, smoked meats, licorice, and candlewax are just some of the notions here, and it's a full-bodied, mouth-filling, opulent red offering ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. This is a classic Russell From style of red that will keep for 7-8 years." (8.23)


Vinous - "SThe 2020 Casual Encounters is pure seduction in the glass, with a captivating blend of crushed blackberries and plums accentuated by cinnamon, clove, and mocha notes. This impresses further with a balance of velvety textures and ultra-ripe red and black fruits energized by juicy acidity. A flourish of cocoa and balsamic spice lingers impossibly long as the 2020 finishes hauntingly dark and gently tannin. This is a pleasure bomb and not for the faint of heart. Casual Encounters is a blend of 58% Mourvedre, 34% Syrah and 8% Grenache.. " (3.23)