Villa Creek 2019 'High Road' Red Rhone Blend, James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles

Villa Creek 2019 'High Road' Red Rhone Blend, James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles

Item Number: 16292

UPC: 0-735202001110

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Central Coast
Appellation/AVA: Paso Robles
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vineyard Designation: James Berry Vineyard
Vintage: 2019
Grape(s): 50% Mourvedre / 34% Syrah / 16% Grenache
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.9
Total Acidity: 6.53 g/L
pH: 3.91
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Winemaking Notes: The grapes ferment 25% whole cluster with native yeast in a selection of concrete and stainless steel tanks. The grapes are basket pressed into a selection of French 500-liter puncheons (20% new). The wine ages for 20 months before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Showing a perfect balance of fruit and savory, this one jumps out of the glass with aromas of kirsch soaked black cherries, cocoa, sassafras and fresh asphalt. The palate is dark and sultry with notes of Santa Rosa plum, tobacco, sweet oak, and chicory. While cellaring is recommended, if you feel you must get your “baseline” for this wine, decant for several hours in your cellar before pairing with herbed lamb chops over an oven fire.

Reviews

  • Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 94-97 (9/30/2021)
    Looking at the barrel sample, the 2019 High Road James Berry Vineyard sports a dense purple color to go with terrific aromatics of dark fruits, ground pepper, game, and liquid violets. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, it has freshness, purity, and loads of class. I continue to love the wines from JoAnn and Cris Cherry, and these latest 2019s are brilliant across the board. These are pure Paso Robles goodness and deliver incredible charm and pleasure while always staying balanced and elegant.
  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 96 (12/30/2022)
    The 2019 High Road James Berry Vineyard, a Rhône blend dominated by Mourvèdre this vintage, has a medium ruby-purple color and lush blueberry, raspberry and rhubarb on the nose with touches of cracked pepper, eucalyptus and tangerine. The palate is finely texture and fresh, its fragrant fruits polished and supple. Offer it another 2-3 years in bottle to unwind.