2020 Herman Story 'MADE' Italian-Style Red Blend California

Winemaker Notes: Consider Tony Soprano, fresh off ordering a hit—gold watch, open robe and all—holding an effortless downward dog. All that brooding blackberry intimidation and seared-ribeye attitude, fresh from the vanilla leather interior of his Chevy Suburban, now stepping forward into a warrior pose. The puffs from his Churchill cigar mingle with feathery wisps of sage-lilac incense. Power and grace in equal portions. And when Silvio busts in yelling about a rat, there’ll be some steel-jacketed antidepressants to spend—just after this Savasana.

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 - "Another blend from this talented winemaker, the 2020 MADE checks in as 26% Syrah, 21% each Barbera, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot. It has a ripe, complex bouquet of darker red and black fruit, peppery herbs, graphite, and spring flowers. This carries to a full-bodied red with remarkable purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and ripe tannins that carry the finish. I love its purity, and despite being uber-rich and powerful, this stays focused, has terrific balance, and a great finish. It's certainly not for those looking for lightweight aromas and flavors, however." (8.23)


Vinous - "Sweet spice and dusty florals give way to crushed black cherries as the 2020 Made opens in the glass. This is smooth-textured yet racy in style, guided by zesty Barbera acidity that enlivens ripe blackberries and candied violet tones that resonate throughout. It finishes energetic yet staining and long with crisp minerality and edgy tannins. The Made is a blend of 26% Syrah, 21& Barbera, 21% Sangiovese, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Merlot. " (3.23)


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2020 Made Italian Blend is made up of 26% Syrah, 21% Barbera, 21% Sangiovese, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot and was matured for 24 months in 75% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it has slightly muted scents of blackcurrant, chargrill and vanilla. The full-bodied palate is ripe and dense with savory, rustic fruits, a chewy frame and surprising freshness, finishing with generous new oak spice. 633 cases produced." (12.22)