The Denners and their vineyard were featured on a recent episode of "The Source", a TheWineryChannel.TV show about California's great winegrowers. You can view the interview by clicking here.

Wine Spectator

June 15, 2008 

2005 Ditch Digger, 92 Points: “Builds intensity and depth, with a wonderful core of spicy wild berry and raspberry fruit and nutmeg, sage, floral and spice hints.  Well-focused, long and full through the finish.  Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Counoise.  Drink now through 2012.”

Parker's Wine Advocate: Central Coast Rhone Rangers, Issue #172:
2005 Ditch Digger, 92 Points: “The 2005 The Ditch Digger is a blend of 43% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, and 8% Counoise (could this be a Paso Robles version of the famed Chateauneuf du Pape Beaucastel?). A deep ruby/purple color, full body, superb richness, and notes of truffle oil intermixed with black cherries, blackberries, asphalt, smoke, and camphor emerge from this complex, finesse-styled red. It also possesses silky tannins and a long, heady finish. The good news is there are over 1,000 cases of this blockbuster. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Denner Vineyards is still under the radar, but is undoubtedly an up-and-coming source for good Rhone Ranger offerings. And why shouldn’t it be as its vineyards are situated just across the street from the fabulous grand cru site of Saxum’s James Berry Vineyard.” ~Robert Parker, August 2007
2005 Syrah, 92 Points: “The powerful 2005 Syrah (15.4% alcohol) reveals pure blackberry liqueur intermixed with notions of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, melted licorice, and loads of raspberry, blackberry, and cassis fruit. This dense, full-bodied, opulent Syrah can be drunk now and over the next 7-8 years.” ~Robert Parker, August 2007
2005 Grenache, 90 Points: “The trio of superb red wines includes the seriously-endowed 2005 Grenache, which exhibits sexy kirsch liqueur aromas intermixed with scents of licorice, pepper, and spice. While not complex, it is round, generous, full-bodied, and hedonistic. Consume this knock-out Grenache over the next 2-4 years.” ~Robert Parker, August 2007
2006 Viognier, 91 Points: “It would be difficult to find a better California Viognier than Denner’s 2006 Viognier Estate. Revealing a French Condrieu-like minerality in its exotic bouquet of crushed rocks, white flowers, litchi nuts, tropical fruits, and orange rind, its superb richness, wonderful acidity, fabulous fruit, and full- bodied style provide a profound Viognier tasting experience. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years.” ~Robert Parker, August 2007
2006 Theresa, 89 Points: “An excellent white is the 2006 Theresa, a blend of 73% Roussanne and 27% Viognier. Aromas reminiscent of a spring flower garden are found in this medium to full-bodied effort along with excellent fruit, an exotic smoky component, and a long, dry, authoritative finish. Drink it over the next 1-3 years.” ~Robert Parker, August 2007

www.AppelationAmerica.com
Laurie Daniel
July 25, 2007

2005 Denner Theresa
Denner Vineyards, an up-and-coming winery on the west side of Paso Robles, was established in the late ‘90s by Ron and Marilyn Denner. Most of the fruit from their beautiful, rolling vineyard is sold to other small producers – including Saxum, Linne Calodo and Villa Creek – but they keep some for their own label, which focuses on Rhone-style wines and Zinfandel. Their son Brian is the winemaker. A highlight of the lineup is this white Rhone-style blend – 70 percent Roussanne and 30 percent Viognier – named for Marilyn Denner’s mother.
The wine, which sells for $29, is fresh yet rich, with bright citrus nuances and a hint of wet stone accenting fleshy white peach and fig flavors. The 2005 vintage was the first one produced in the Denners’ state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery. Thirty percent of this wine was fermented in new French 500-liter puncheons and, to preserve the freshness and minerality, only about half of the blend went through malolactic fermentation. Denner Vineyards produces only about 3,500 cases a year, including 375 cases of the Theresa, so the wine may be hard to find, but it’s well worth the search.
See Review Here

The Wall Street Journal Sunday
September 24, 2006
Big numbers, bright lights
Wine critic Robert Parker Jr. and his 100-point rating system has helped to cement the image of Central Coast wines as a region of world-renowned, quality varietals.

In the most recent issue of The Wine Advocate, influential wine writer Robert Parker rated more than 700 Central Coast wines, giving high marks to many San Luis Obispo County wines.
A high score by the man who invented the100-point ranking system -- and is seen by many as the most important wine critic in the world -- can translate into sold-out wines. A low score is dreaded.
Either way, local wineries say that Parker has had a significant influence on elevating the profile of San Luis Obispo County wines on the national and international horizon.
Stephan Asseo, owner and winemaker at L'Aventure in Paso Robles, saw the immediate impact of Parker's clout when the Aug. 28 report was published. Several L'Aventure wines scored above 95 -- including one that garnered a rare 98 -- meaning Parker thought the wines were extraordinary.
The scores hit the Web site in the early morning hours of Aug. 30, and by the time Asseo arrived at the winery that day, he had received more than 100 orders.
"We immediately sold out of our wines," said Asseo, who explained that the winery had placed about two-thirds of its wine before the scores came out. L'Aventure produces 8,000 cases of wine annually.
"We could have sold five times the volume on every wine he reviewed," he added. "The effect is huge, huge, huge."
To be clear, L'Aventure has scored well historically with wines earning scores in the 90- to 95-point range. However, the bump up above a 95 "put us in a new dimension," Asseo said.

The Parker effect
Launched in 1978 by Parker, a former attorney, The Wine Advocate is a bimonthly newsletter that touts itself as the independent consumer guide to fine wines. With a subscription base of nearly 55,000 readers between the newsletter and Web site, The Wine Advocate publishes nearly 6,000 wine reviews a year.
The scoring system is quite straightforward. A 90- to 100-score is equivalent to an "A" -- though there is a significant difference between a 90 and a 99. An 80 to 89 equals a "B" and a 70 to 79 is a "C". Wines that make the pages of The Wine Advocate typically score above an 86.
Parker's grading system has revolutionized how wine is perceived and purchased. The scores make it easy for consumers to understand a wine, so retailers quote them in promotional materials and on shelf talkers.
In addition to quantifying the quality of a wine, Parker was instrumental in introducing readers to a dramatically larger world of wine. He promotes wines he enjoys -- wherever they originate -- not just the traditional enclaves of fine winemaking such as France. Parker is often on the go, sampling wines all over the world. He was unavailable for comment for this article because he was out of the country on a wine tasting trip.
"One of the inestimably significant things that he has done is democratized the wine industry," said John Alban of Alban Vineyards in the Edna Valley. He is consistently the recipient of the highest Parker ratings in San Luis Obispo County.
"In an industry where birthright used to tell the whole story, Parker has made it such that you can be a nobody in a garage making 5 gallons of wine. If you make the right 5 gallons, you can be a superstar. That had never happened before," he said.

Good scores equal sales
Indeed, a high score in Parker's Wine Advocate -- one of a handful of publications closely followed by wine lovers -- stirs up demand for a wine and helps ensure good sales.
"Without question, it makes our job easier," said Benjamin Kirschner, domestic business development manager at Frederick Wildman & Sons, a New York-based wine importer that represents several area wineries including L'Aventure.
"A very high score means I can sell the wine without even having the buyer taste the wines," he added. "It becomes more of a question of whether the restaurant can get the wine rather than if we will sell the wine."

Brian Denner, the winemaker at his family winery, Denner Vineyards in Paso Robles, saw a surge in hits on the winery Web site and received numerous calls and emails from consumers, retailers and distributors after Parker's most recent report came out. Labeled an "up-and-coming winery" by Parker, Denner wines received scores ranging from 88 to 93. "It really puts you on more people's radar," he said. "We were pretty excited. We've seen a good pop in interest."

Central Coast advocate
Parker's impact on the Central Coast goes far beyond recognizing a few industry leaders. For several years, he has been a strong proponent for the region as a whole.
In 2004, he famously predicted in Food and Wine Magazine that "California's Central Coast will rule America," noting that "no viticultural region in America has demonstrated as much progress in quality and potential for greatness as the Central Coast, with its Rhone varietals."
Then in October 2004, he granted Central Coast Rhone varieties -- more than 20 grape varieties like syrah and viognier, which are grown in France's Rhone Valley -- a spot in his vintage guide, which is a rating of each vintage for the major wine regions of the world. While entire wine producing nations -- like New Zealand or South Africa -- are not yet included in the vintage guide, the Central Coast Rhone varieties earned their own distinction. It is the only wine subcategory in California outside of the North Coast.
"Parker has given this area a stamp of credibility to the whole world. The Advocate is not simply looked at in one region. It's translated into multiple languages and followed by the cognoscenti," Alban said. "When the Central Coast gets a chance to have the spotlight on that big of a stage, it's a bright light."
Local wine industry professionals uniformly said that the strong scores that a number of wineries received in the August report speak to the high quality of winemaking in San Luis Obispo County. They believe that it will help to further validate the region to a wider audience.
"His scoring was a very forceful statement about the overall quality of the region," said Jason Haas, general manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard.
Brian Denner, the winemaker at his family winery, Denner Vineyards in Paso Robles, saw a surge in hits on the winery Web site and received numerous calls and emails from consumers, retailers and distributors after Parker's most recent report came out. Labeled an "up-and-coming" winery by Parker, Denner wines received scores ranging from 88 to 93.
"It really puts you on more people's radar," he said. "We were pretty excited. We've seen a good pop in interest."

Parker's Wine Advocate: California Rhone Rangers, Issue #166: ". . .owners Ron and Marilyn Denner have fashioned an impresive portfolio of reds and whites."
2004 Ditch Digger, 93 points: "A wine that blew me away is the 2004 The Ditch Digger Denner Vineyard, a blend of 45% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 19% Mourvedre. In a blind tasting, this could be mistaken for a California version of Chateau Rayas’ or Charvin’s elegant Chateauneuf du Pape. It offers a glorious nose of crushed raspberries, flowers, kirsch, and pepper. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, rich, and intense, but light on its feet, this is a WOW wine that should drink well for 5-7 years. It admirably demonstrates the potential that exists in this area of Paso Robles. This is a very impressive effort from an up-and-coming winery."  ~Robert Parker, August 2006
2004 Syrah, 90 points: "The deep ruby/purple-tinged, restrained, elegant 2004 Syrah Denner Vineyard offers good freshness along with sweet blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with notions of licorice and acacia flowers. Enjoy this beauty over the next 5-7 years."  ~Robert Parker, August 2006
2005 Viognier, 90 points: "The gorgeous 2005 Viognier Denner Vineyard’s flamboyant nose of orange blossoms, honeysuckle, citrus, litchi nuts, and a hint of minerality is accompanied by a medium-bodied, rich, well-defined white produced from Paso Robles’ limestone soils."  ~Robert Parker, August 2006
2005 Theresa, 88 points: "Offers crisp Côtes du Rhône-like minerality and honeyed citrus, good body and freshness, and a singular personality."  ~Robert Parker, August 2006

Parker On Wine: California Syrahs
California’s Central Coast is now home to many vineyards and wineries producing first-class syrahs. If you want to buy some, act fast because they sell out quickly
By Robert Parker
Many of the vineyards and wineries of California’s Central Coast are still young, but their potential to produce great pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah is enormous. In a decade, the top viticultural areas of Santa Barbara, the Santa Rita hills, and the limestone hillsides west of Paso Robles will be as well-known as the Napa and Sonoma valleys. The following are some of the region’s noteworthy current releases:

Denner Vineyards 2003 Syrah Denner Vineyard
92 points
$29
The deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by intensely ripe smoky crème de cassis and earthy aromas, opulent, full-bodied flavors, a superb texture, and beautiful purity, length, and balance. Enjoy it over the next seven to eight years.

For these local dads, business is all relative
The Tribune - June 18, 2006
Click here to view article

Wine Notes: Meet Paso Robles' Generation Next
The Tribune - May 19, 2006
Click here to view article

A perfect dream: Denner Vineyards in Paso Robles
The Tribune - March 31, 2006
Click here to view article

Review by Kathy Marcks Hardesty of New Times
September 1, 2005
2003 Syrah Denner Vineyards
This is one of Paso’s newest brands, and this wine is red hot. I say that because this Syrah  is fabulous and seriously limited at 406 cases. But it’s just entering the marketplace so you can still find it in restaurants and wine shops. I was quite impressed by the rich, intense flavors of freshly picked blackberries, boysenberries, and raspberries. Yet it’s well-balanced with subtle spice notes on a long, lingering finish. This is a wine well worth cellaring, but you’ll want to share it over a great meal with friends who appreciate such a find.

Review by Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate
Issue #159, June 2005
Rating: 92 points
The 2004 Syrah Denner Vineyards is deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by intensely ripe smoky crème de cassis and earthy aromas,opulent,full-bodied flavors,a superb texture,and a beautiful purity,length and balance. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. This new producer appears to have considerable potential given their well-placed vineyards on the limestone hillsides across the ridge from the famed James Berry block owned by Saxum. Drink it over the next next 7-8 years.

Review by Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate
#159, June 2005
Rating: 88 points
This new producer appears to have considerable potential given their well-placed  vineyards across from  James Berry. An impressive beginning,the dark ruby/purple colored 2002 Syrah Denner Vineyards offers pure black currant fruit intermixed with pepper,underbrush,and oak characteristics.Although not complex, it offers a savory mouthfeel, good freshness,and moderate tannin. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years.

Wine Spectator, April 6,2005
A look ahead at Paso Robles         The 2004 barrel samples hold no suprise-Syrah is still the star.         James Laube 

Denner Syrah Paso Robles 2004        85-88 points
Ripe,dense and complex,with tangy black cherry and wild berry fruit,and a touch of huckle berry folding in on the finish. Has room to grow.

Comments about Denner Vineyards' fruit from other winemakers . . .

Brian Benson, Brian Benson Cellars
"Some of the most spectacular syrah grown in Paso."

Steve Glossner, Halter Ranch
"This will be a great winery."

Scott Hawley, Summerwood Winery
"Outstanding, incredibly intense, dark color, tons of fruit, great structure."

Justin Smith, Saxum Vineyards
"Denner fruit combines both power and finesse."

Matt Trevisan, Linne Calodo Cellars
"The Denners are the consummate growers."