Herman Story On The Road Grenache 2017
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Enthusiast
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Winemaker Notes
Picture Lewis and Clark as stars of a laugh-tracked 90s sitcom: Clark’s niece, a precocious kid from a Virginia tobacco farm, always getting into wild hijinks on the American frontier. President Jefferson promised wooly mammoths and damn it, she’s going to find them, so she ditches her companions and lives off the land: wild honey, boysenberries, rain-soaked chanterelles and peppered venison over an open fire. One day she’s pelting Spanish troops with handfuls of graphite, the next she’s running from a bear while the Bennie Hill theme plays. And when our heroes finally catch up, they find her atop a tusked behemoth, that girl finally did it. All they can do is shrug and look at the camera.
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Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 On The Road checks in as 100% Grenache from a handful of sites on the Central Coast. Aged 30 months in 72% new French oak, its dense ruby/plum color is followed by a perfumed bouquet of kirsch, spiced cherries, flowery incense, and ground pepper. With more meaty, spicy notes developing with time in the glass, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, sexy texture, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's another ripe yet balanced and beautifully drinkable wine from this estate.
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Wine Enthusiast
The barrel influence on this bottle is extreme and overpowering. Aromas of cherry liquor and Bourbon barrel lead into a smoky palate of hickory sticks, toasty oak, baked blackberry, caramel, vanilla and creamy Frappucino flavors
Other Vintages
2020-
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Jeb
Dunnuck
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
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Wine
Spectator
Proprietor and winemaker Russell P. From began Herman Story Wines in 2001 with 7 barrels stashed in his employer’s cellar. What started as a modest homage to his rancher grandfather has become a beacon to those seeking opulent, structured Syrah and Grenache. To maintain balance while giving flavor full stage, Russell works with 30 top-tier vineyards in over 7 distinct growing regions between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. From's dedication has held the attention of discriminating consumers and reviewers alike, earning him a coveted position in Wine Spectator's Top 100 List in 2014 for his On the Road Grenache and and average 90+ score on CellarTracker across all wines and vintages.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.