Vinous Scores 2019 Vintage - Denner Vineyards
One of the area’s iconic wineries, Denner sources all their fruit from their own 130-acre vineyard, which was first planted in 1999 and sits in the heart of the prime Willow Creek District. The wines here, made by Anthony Yount, have steadily becoming more refined over the last decade. I count them among the very best in California. The 2019 collection showcases depth as well as vivacity. I was especially impressed by the well-integrated tannins of these wines. That trait makes the wines deceptively approachable (if there is such a thing) while providing ample structure for aging. Yount has a talent for blending, and it shows clearly here. These are some of the most impressive wines from Paso Robles that I tried this year. - Josh Raynolds
2019 The Dirt Worshipper 97
Glistening purple. Expansive aromas of cherry and blueberry liqueur, incense, exotic spices and candied violet, plus a smoky mineral overtone that builds in the glass. Youthful, palate-coating black and blue fruit, star anise and floral pastille flavors show superb depth as well as energy, and a spine of juicy acidity adds support and back-end lift. Finishes with resonating floral and spice notes, youthful tannic grip and a hint of salty olive paste.
Drinking window: 2027 - 2037
2019 Ditch Digger 96
Shimmering ruby-red. Assertively perfumed aromas of fresh red berries, cherry, blood orange, exotic spices and candied flowers are accompanied by a smoky mineral nuance that builds with air. Smooth and seamless in texture, offering vibrant raspberry, black cherry, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that convey a suave marriage of power and delicacy. Closes smooth, gently tannic and extremely long, leaving sappy red fruit, orange pith and floral pastille notes behind. Made with 25% whole clusters and raised in neutral oak barrels and concrete tanks.
Drinking window: 2025 - 2035
2019 Cirrus 96
Deep, vivid ruby. Expansive, spice-accented aromas of ripe red and fruit, incense and potpourri are complemented by a smoky mineral nuance that builds in the glass. Sweet, palate-staining Chambord, spicecake, licorice and floral pastille flavors reveal hints of cola, star anise and white pepper. Finishes with outstanding clarity, polished tannins and superb, red-fruitdriven persistence. Made with 50% whole clusters and raised in a combination of concrete vats and neutral French oak barrels.
Drinking window: 2025 - 2035
2019 Mother of Exiles 96
Opaque ruby. Primary dark berry, cherry-vanilla and pipe tobacco scents are complemented by woodsmoke, floral oil and exotic spice flourishes. Broad and gently chewy on the palate, offering alluringly sweet cassis and kirsch flavors and suggestions of bitter chocolate, espresso and black tea. Tightens up steadily with air and finishes with excellent clarity, mounting tannins and wonderful, spicy persistence.
Drinking window: 2026 - 2036
2019 Gold Digger 95
Dark ruby. Hugely fragrant cassis, cherry-vanilla and pipe tobacco aromas are complemented by building floral and exotic spice notes and a hint of white pepper. Rich yet energetic, showing fine definition to the red and dark berry preserve, kirsch, spicecake and candied rose flavors. Finishes very long and precise, with repeating floral and spice notes and slowly building tannins.
Drinking window: 2025 - 2035
2019 Viognier 94
Light yellow-gold. Mineral-accented orchard and pit fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of pungent flowers, vanilla and ginger. Silky and focused on the palate, offering intense Meyer lemon, nectarine and Anjou pear flavors that deepen steadily through the back half. Finishes impressively long, silky and precise, with building spiciness and resonating florality. The blend of richness and finesse here is quite impressive. 60% new French oak.
Drinking window: 2022 - 2027
2019 Theresa 93
Hazy, green-tinged straw. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh fig, tangerine, pear nectar, jasmine and smoky minerals. Concentrated and juicy in style, offering an array of orchard and citrus fruit flavors that smoothly blend depth and delicacy. Displays impressive finishing energy and length, leaving hints of fennel and candied orange zest behind.
Drinking window: 2023 - 2031