Antonio Galloni of Vinous
"Anthony Yount is without question one of the most thoughtful and introspective winemakers in Paso Robles. Young is among those trying to add dimensions of finesse to his wines, and he is succeeding big time. This is a fabulous set of 2011s, but it’s just the start for a winemaker who has a brilliant career ahead of him. Denner is one of the elite estates in Paso Robles. I can't recommend these wines highly enough." - Antonio Galloni
Denner Vineyards 2012 Viognier | 93
The 2012 Viognier is a stunner. It's as simple as that. Aging in French oak shapes the wine beautifully, giving it soft contours and gorgeous texture, but at the same time, there is plenty of energy and vibrancy. This is a fairly restrained style of Viognier by Central Coast standards. Readers can look forward to at least several years of exceptional drinking and pure pleasure.
Drinking window: 2013 - 2016
Denner Vineyards 2012 Theresa | 92
White flowers, pears, apples, lemon peel, jasmine and mint are all supported by vibrant layers of saline-infused minerality in the 2012 Theresa, Denner's white Rhone blend. This is another brilliant, crystalline wine endowed with terrific energy and verve. The blend is 50% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc, 20% Picpoul and 5% Marsanne aged predominantly in steel, concrete and neutral oak, with just a dollop (10%) of new wood.
Drinking window: 2013 - 2016
Denner Vineyards 2011 Grenache | 93
The 2011 Grenache is pure and total refinement in the glass. Varietal, expressive and polished, the 2011 is all about balance. Sweet tobacco, dried flowers, mint and licorice are all woven together in this precise, brilliant Grenache. Deeply expressive varietal notes continue to blossom as the wine opens up in the glass. This is a great showing from Denner and winemaker Anthony Yount.
Drinking window: 2013 - 2021
Denner Vineyards 2011 Ditch Digger | 93+
Denner's 2011 Ditch Digger is a wine of great textural finesse. Sweet tobacco, dried herbs, flowers and spices all meld together beautifully in the glass. Silky, polished and utterly impeccable, the 2011 impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony. Black olives, savory herbs and spices linger on the finish. This is yet another great showing from Denner. The blend is 40% Grenache, 30% Syra, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Counoise.
Drinking window: 2013 - 2021
Denner Vineyards 2011 Dirt Worshipper | 93
Sweet floral notes open into black cherries, plums, licorice and new leather as the 2011 Dirt Worshipper literally bursts from the glass. I very much like the sense of pure vibrancy and resonance here. The 2011 is so full of life. The 2011 is a bit restrained in volume, as so many wines are in this vintage. Still, it boasts tremendous energy and polish. The blend is 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier.
Drinking window: 2013 - 2021
Denner Vineyards 2010 Mother of Exiles | 94
The 2010 Mother of Exiles, a Bordeaux blend, is impeccable. Sweet plums, dark red cherries, graphite and grilled herbs are all vibrant and beautifully delineated. The 2010 shows the level of refinement Paso Robles is capable of. This isn't your typical blowsy Paso Cabernet-based red, but rather a wine built on finesse. As outstanding as the 2010 is, the Mother of Exiles is still a work in progress. Still, it clearly has the potential to be one of Paso's very best and most distinctive wines. I can't wait to taste future vintages, as the potential here is simply tremendous. In 2010, the blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot.
Drinking window: 2013 - 2018