Wine Advocate #202 - August 2012
"Most of the wines I tasted on this trip were 2010s. Interestingly, the heat spikes that were such a problem in other parts of the Central Coast were much less of an issue in Paso Robles, probably because most of the main varieties ripen on the late side. I find much to admire in the 2010s." - Antonio Galloni
On the Winery:
I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Denner this year. From top to bottom, these new releases capture the essence of everything that makes Paso Robles one of the most exciting wine making regions in the world.
2010 Denner Vineyards The Dirt Worshipper
Review by Antonio Galloni
Wine Advocate # 202 (Aug 2012) Rating: 95
Drink 2014 - 2020
The 2010 Dirt Worshipper is one of the most exciting, viscerally thrilling wines I tasted in Paso Robles this year. It boasts stunning richness and power from start to finish, with expressive aromatics, intense fruit and fabulous overall balance. Varietal notes develop on the finish, but the wine needs at least another year to become fully expressive. The use of 25% whole clusters and the addition of 7% Viognier keeps the wine light on its feet (in relative terms), something the Syrahs from Paso often struggle with. The 2010 spent 16 months in French oak barrels, only 10% new. This is a great showing from Denner. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020.
2010 Denner Vineyards The Ditch Digger
Review by Antonio Galloni
Wine Advocate # 202 (Aug 2012) Rating: 93
Drink 2014 - 2020
Denner’s 2010 Ditch Digger wraps around the palate with layers of dark fruit. Tobacco, grilled herbs and leather appear later, adding complexity and nuance. This is a powerful, structured wine that needs at least another year in bottle. Ditch Digger is 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise and 5% Cinsault (vinified with 35% whole clusters) that spent 16 months in 500-liter French oak barrels, 35% new. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020.
2010 Denner Vineyards Grenache
Review by Antonio Galloni
Wine Advocate # 202 (Aug 2012) Rating: 94
Drink 2013 - 2022
The 2010 Grenache is a gorgeous wine endowed with serious depth. Juicy dark cherries, flowers and mint flesh out in this large-scaled, dramatic wine. The balance and overall sense of harmony are all first-rate. In 2010, the blend is 81% Grenache, 13% Syrah and 6% Counoise, fermented with 20% whole clusters. The wine spent 14 months in 500-liter French oak barrels, 60% new. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.
2011 Denner Vineyards Theresa
Review by Antonio Galloni
Wine Advocate # 202 (Aug 2012) Rating: 92
Drink 2012 - 2015
The 2011 Theresa, a blend of 60% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc and 15% Marsanne, is a big, bold wine endowed with serious structure. Layers of rich, expressive fruit fill out the broad shoulders nicely. This is a decidedly powerful wine that needs to be enjoyed with food. The Theresa was partially fermented on the skins and aged in a combination of stainless steel, new and used French oak and concrete. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.
2010 Denner Vineyards Viognier
Review by Antonio Galloni
Wine Advocate # 202 (Aug 2012) Rating: 92
Drink 2012 - 2015
Denner’s 2010 Viognier comes across as tight, cool and mineral-driven in this vintage. The open, generous personality of Viognier is evident, but in more reserved, hushed tones than in some previous years. The 2010 was aged partly in stainless steel and partly in oak, (23% new), with a dollop of aging in concrete. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.