40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre
It has been years since Grenache has taken center stage in this wine. Dark and heady, it expresses intoxicating notes of exotic red and purple fruits, licorice, orange peel and spice. Generous but not heavy on its feet it conjures black fruits, watermelon, five spice, with a wonderful umami component that has you wanting for more. It needs a bit of short term cellaring but if you can’t wait, decant it in the the AM before work, place in your cellar and dream about what awaits you when you return home. Drink 2020-2030
"The 2017 High Road James Berry Vineyard checks in as a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 30% Mourvèdre that was brought up in 35% new French oak. It offers beautiful blackberry fruits, toasted spice, caramelized beef, and herbes de Provence-like aromas, full-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. Hello, beautiful! Drink this quintessential Paso Robles blend any time over the coming 7-8 years." 96 pts - Jeb Dunnuck
"Opaque ruby. Expansive dark berry preserve, cherry pie, licorice and potpourri aromas are complemented by an exotic spice nuance. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated blackberry, boysenberry and bitter chocolate flavors, along with sweetening cola and violet pastille nuances. Slowly firms up with air and finishes with outstanding clarity, even tannins and emphatic, floral-driven persistence." 95 pts- Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media
