2020 Herman Story 'On The Road' Grenache California
Winemaker Notes: These hard-boiled bootleggers know how to make a scene. An hour before, you were at the local juice joint, downing black cherry and black tea elixirs with a couple of licorice-suited cool cats. Then you had to scram, and fast. Now, you’re hightailing a Model T across the frozen Detroit River with the coppers in hot pursuit and this wine in tow. Pop a bottle for good fortune. Candied-blackberry satin, mossy mineral mother of pearl, spiced pie crust pistols, maraschino liqueur, the wind in your face and Canada’s shrouded shores, just out of sight.
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 - "Based on 100% Grenache from a handful of great sites in the Central Coast (Slide Hill, Full Draw, Bien Nacido, and Rolph vineyards), the 2020 On the Road spent a whopping 30 months in 70% new French oak. It has gorgeous black cherry, kirsch, melted licorice, and roasted garrigue-like aromatics that carry to a full-bodied, concentrated, yet broad and expansive red with ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." (8.23)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2020 On The Road Grenache is somewhat savory and rustic. Matured in 70% new French oak for 30 months, it's scented of red and black currants with accents of grilled meats, underbrush and pencil shavings. The full-bodied palate has savory, earthy flavors, gently chewy tannins and rounded acidity, finishing with a touch of bitterness and overt new oak spice. Drink it over the next 3-5 years. 675 cases were made." (1.24)
Vinous - "The 2020 On the Road, a varietal Grenache, lifts from the glass with a sharply focused blend of wild berries, lavender, and blood orange. It's softly textured, filling the senses with plush, ripe red and blue fruit offset by a caking of minerality that adds a crunchy sensation. The 2020 cleans up beautifully, incredibly fresh and lifted, with hints of Violette Pastille that slowly fade." (3.23)
| Country | USA - California |
|---|---|
| Region | Paso Robles |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Winery | Herman Story |
| Grape Varietals | Grenache |
| Size | 750 milliliter |
