Herman Story 2005 Grenache, Larner Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
Submitted by THE WINE SCHOOL OF PHILADELPHIA
I love this wine–let’s just put it out there and avoid all that wine-writing propriety and distance. And the funny thing is that it’s not in the style I typically gravitate towards, Old World guy that I am. But this inky, big-boned monster is so well constructed (and make no mistake about it: it’s an edifice of wine) that I couldn’t resist it. At this point in its evolution, it’s still tight, and not giving much on the nose beyond its tea-like tannins and rich raspberry aromas. On the palate, it starts off like one of those German kirsch-filled chocolates, but once it breathes a bit it gains complex notes of superripe dark berries and a rich plums. At 15.9% alcohol, it feels a bit heavy in the mouth, and the sweetness from all that alcohol is unavoidable, but this is no over-the-top fruit bomb: The tannins are still young and have some serious grip, and there’s enough acid here to lead me to believe that this wine will be even better in a few years. If you have the patience, it will be rewarded. Personally, I’m glad I bought a bunch of bottles: Following their evolution should be a lot of fun.
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