2021 Herman Story Casual Encounters
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Casual Encounters checks in as a mix of 47% Mourvèdre, 36% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and 3% Carignan that was aged 24 months in 78% new French oak. It's another rockingly good, exotic wine from winemaker Russell From that has gamey red and black fruits, cured meats, pepper, and sandalwood-like aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mouthfeel, and sweet tannins, it's another absolutely singular effort to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Darkly floral and intense, the 2021 Casual Encounters blends black raspberries with cedar shavings, tobacco, and exotic spice. This is elegant in feel, with silken textures and decadently ripe red berry fruits. Cooling acidity maintains a fantastic balance as dark chocolate and balsamic spice firm up the finish, tapering off long and gently tannic. The 2021 is juicy yet expertly balanced.
The 2021 Casual Encounters MSGC is composed of co-fermented Mourvèdre (47%), Syrah (36%), Grenache (14%) and Carignan (3%) matured for 24 months in 78% new French oak. It has gregarious aromas of boysenberries, blueberries, grilled meats and powdered sugar, revealing more nuance as it airs in the glass. The full-bodied palate has a plush core of fruit framed by chalky tannins and seamless acidity, and it has a long, layered finish with a flourish of spicy accents. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. 542 cases were made.