2007 was a fabulous vintage defined by the cold, dry winter that preceded it. Rainfall levels were only 40% of normal, stressing the grapes to perfection. The summer was moderate in temperature, producing a long, slow harvest with yields down 15%-30% from 2005 and 2006. The wines are intensely flavored and dark in color, with surprisingly gentle tannins for such a powerful vintage. This is a potentially classic vintage for the Paso Robles region.
2008 was a vintage with many ups and downs during the growing season. Throughout California, frost played a major role in crop loss. The abnormal heat spell at the end of August into early September further reduced the already below average crop load. The micro climates and coastal proximity of our west Paso vineyards, shielded our blocks from most of these extreme swings, leaving us with just slightly lower yields. As with past vintages, we picked based on flavors, not numbers, and as a result, we are quite pleased with the 2008 vintage.
2007 Garnacha, Denner Vineyard 100% Denner Vineyard Grenache
The grenache off Denner Vineyard, now in it’s ninth year, is growing up and showing full bodied elegance. Whole cluster fermentation resulted in phenomenal aromatics and softer acids. This is a Garnacha like no other. This is a mouthful of lush fruit that maintains it’s focus with a subtle lift of acidity. 40% New Oak, 75% French, 25% Hungarian and American, 40% 500 liter Puncheons, 20% Whole Cluster
Appearance: Dark Crimson. Nose: Notes of exotic red fruits, pomagranate, strawberry, camphor, spice and wet limestone. Palate: Cranberry, wild cherry Ludens, cracked pepper, roasted coffee, and sweet oak. This wine should age well for 8-10 years as it’s secondary flavors come into play.
2008 Pink
Saignée of Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignane
Each year we produce a small quantity of rosé to round out our summer line up. 2008 Pink is a fruity, earthy, complex and rich. 100% stainless steel fermentation. We steered this wine clear of malolactic fermentation. This allows the wine to show the unaltered characteristics of the grapes it is comprised of. Appearance: The perfect shade of brink pink. Nose: Notes of violets and sweet tropical fruits, white flowers, strawberries, and peat. Palate: Strawberries, wet stones, and ripe ruby grapefruit. Lush yet bright. It’s the perfect complement to a Spanish style feast in the garden.
2007 La Boda
50% Grenache, 50% Mourvèdre
Our north facing block of Mourvedre at Denner continues to amaze us with it’s savory aromatics and flavors. For the third year running it is the last block picked before Aaron Nevarez (Denner’s Vineyard Manager) puts the vineyard to bed. This wine has fruit, spice, savory, and texture. 50% New French Oak, 50% 500 liter Puncheons, 75% Whole Cluster
Appearance: Deep Burgundy. Nose: Pretty nose of violets, mulling spices, pepper, salt water, and dark red fruits Palate: A harmonious blend of ripe plums, cinnamon, spice and wet earth. Seamless integration of fruit and oak tannins. This wine has the structure to cellar for 8-12 years.
2007 Willow Creek Cuvée
50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre
This is a fruit bomb of a wine with well integrated fruit and oak tannins. The glycerol, chocolaty texture lasts and lasts. Enjoy this with a roasted leg of lamb before summer is upon us. 07 Willow will cellar well for 5-7 years giving pleasure throughout it’s journey. 70% New Oak, 85% French, 15% American, 60% 500 liter Puncheons, 15% Whole Cluster
Appearance: Dark Plum. Nose: Blackberry, currant, sassafrass, lavender, and cinnamon french toast.
Palate: Blackberry preserves, plum, rose petal, and sandlewood.
2008 White
55% Grenache Blanc, 35% Roussanne, 10% Viognier
Blackseth Grenache Blanc plays the leading roll in this year’s White. The protocol here was to pick at low sugar with high acid while still retaining varietal flavor. This marks the first Villa Creek vintage with James Berry Roussanne. Roussanne is very much THE middle here, rich, floral, and nutty (sans the oxidation). Chequera Viognier rounds our the palate with a dollop of stone fruit and a bit of mineral. Fermented in stainless steel and a bit of new Hungarian oak. Appearance: Light Straw. Nose: Pineapple, green apple, wet stones, and white peach. Palate: Pear, pineapple, lemon zest, out of the oven baguette, and honeysuckle. Medium to full bodied the wine is framed by crisp acidity that lasts on the palate and is the perfect complement to a sunny afternoon next to the pool. Will cellar for 2-3 years but why wait as this is built for summer enjoyment.
