2010 Villa Creek High Road James Berry Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Dense and smoky, with gorgeous depth and richness, the 2010 High Road James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that had the Grenache and Syrah fermented and aged together in tank and the Mourvedre in French oak. Boasting knockout aromas of ripe black cherries, melted licorice, smoked meat and mineral, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, rich, yet gorgeously elegant and classy texture that carries good acidity and ripe tannin through the finish. Building in the glass and improving over the multiple days I had the bottle open, this beauty will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 12-15 years of total longevity. Drink now-2025. One of my favorite estates, Cris Cherry’s Villa Creek is located on the western side of Paso Robles, high up off Peachy Canyon Road. He continues to experiment with Rhone and increasingly Spanish (think Rioja and Priorat) varieties, as well as with varying amount of whole-cluster inclusion. The wines offer singular, unique profiles, with loads of flavor and character. Tel. (805) 238-7145; www.villacreekwine.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 High Road is a dark, mysterious beauty. Dark red cherries, savory herbs, sweet tobacco and anise meld together in a wine of remarkable texture and elegance. The Grenache in particular comes through loud and clear, backed up by substantial structure. The 2010 is 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre, all from James Berry, fermented with 40% whole clusters.
Opaque ruby. Youthful cherry and dark berry aromas are energized by zesty minerality. Deeply pitched cherry and boysenberry flavors expand and brighten in the glass, picking up a hint of candied licorice. Finishes lively and long, with a lingering note of bitter cherry pit.
Dense and smoky, with gorgeous depth and richness, the 2010 Villa Creek High Road James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre that had the Grenache and Syrah fermented and aged together in tank, and the Mourvedre in French oak. Boasting knockout aromas of ripe black cherries, melted licorice, smoked meat, and mineral, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, rich, yet gorgeously elegant and classy texture that carries good acidity and ripe tannin through the finish. Building in the glass and improving over the multiple days I had the bottle open, this beauty will benefit from short term cellaring, and have 12-15 years of total longevity.