Ratings & Tasting notes:  

99 points Jeb Dunnuck

55% Grenache, 29% Mataro, 13% Syrah, 3% Carignan

Paso Robles Willow Creek District (15.9% alc.) 1110 cases produced

Leading the charge is the 2017 James Berry Vineyard. For those of you lucky enough to have experienced the JBV over the years, I’d say this one ranks right up there in the top echelon, and it may be the most open of any vintage yet. Of course it will improve with some age, let’s not get hasty here! But I do think this one is generous in its youth. Like all of our 2017 wines, the tannins are very smooth and fine, no hard edges to be found. Though it’s the aromatics that really draw you in. Red fruit centered, really lifted and bright, yet there’s a background of chaparral and sagebrush providing some low notes too… I could smell this wine all day. There’s a kiss of French oak, 48% spent 21 months in new puncheons and the remaining rested in used foudres or puncheons. The real fun is opening this wine next to the 2016 JBV or the 2017 G2V and choosing a favorite. Please do and let me know!

I was able to taste the 2017 James Berry Vineyard beside the perfect 2016 and there’s not much difference between these two sensational wines. The 2017 reveals a deep ruby color as well as more straight, focused, yet beautifully concentrated style that reveals gorgeous black raspberry and blackberry fruits interwoven with pepper, spring flowers, earth, and incense. Pure, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and an incredible wine any way you look at it, give bottles 2-3 years and it’s going to evolve effortlessly for 15-20 years. (99) Jeb Dunnuck, 10/31/2019

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Stored in a climate controlled cellar on its side in the dark at 55 degrees F and 75% humidity since purchase.

Condition:

Label: Perfect
Capsule: Perfect
Fill Level: Mid Neck