2017 The Story

This Grenache-dominated blend shows finesse and balance in its youth. Varietals are grown in the Willow Creek District on the westside of Paso Robles. The terroir is of a higher elevation, calcareous and limestone-rich with strong oceanic influences from the Pacific. The vineyards thrive with a diurnal shift in temperature of up to 30 °F from morning to night during the growing season. The interplay of this region’s minerality, fruit-forward flavor, acidity and spicy aroma is of incredible note. 

Ratings

93 pts - Vinous | "Deep, brilliant ruby. Expressive, spice- and mineral-accented raspberry and cherry preserve aromas pick up floral and cola nuances with air. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated red/blue fruit, lavender pastille and star anise flavors that steadily deepen on the back half. Supple, well-judged tannins lend framework to a very long, sappy finish that strongly echoes the floral and spice notes. All neutral oak." - Josh Raynolds

91 pts - Wine Enthusiast  |  "Fresh yet dark blackberry aromas meet with lilac and black plum on the nose of this bottling, which is bolstered by 17% Syrah. The palate is ripe and thick yet tethered to solid tannins, allowing creamy flavors of black plum and blackberry to converge with leather and roasted meat." -Matt Kettman

91 points, Jeb Dunnuck  |  “The Story offers a ripe, sweet nose of plums, bay leaf, incense, and candied blood orange. This carries to a medium to full-bodied blend that's fruit-forward and has ripe, polished tannins, a good mid-palate, and a solid finish.” 

Tasting Notes

Aromas of sweet and spice dance back-and-forth in this Grenache blend. The Story is all about smooth versatility while offering a full body that will burst with flavors of berry tart and ripe red fruit. The finish is both extended and with a touch of baking spice. Pleasureful and extremely food-friendly.

Winemaking

Varietals were handpicked in September and October at the peak of flavor ripeness and phenolic maturity. Grapes were carefully cluster sorted, 100% destemmed and fermented in stainless steel. After a cold maceration, élevage included daily punchdowns, pumpovers and délestage. The wine rested for 20 months in 80% once-used French oak and 20% neutral French oak before being bottled on June 11, 2019.

Food Pairings

Beet Salad
Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Oven-roasted turkey with sage butter
Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Rabbit, chorizo and gigante bean cassoulet
Aged cheese and charcuterie