Herman Story 2018 Late Bloomer Grenache, Paso Robles

Russell From Owner/Winemaker: Doesn’t matter what your stepdad said, this cherry-licorice-lacquered Harley was made for sweet sunset joyrides. So when Liz Basinger’s eyes go wide at the engine’s meaty cinnamon growl, you’ve got no choice. Pistons dripping molasses, dual tailpipes blowing grilled-herb smoke, with pines whizzing by on either side. Her arms wrapped around your purloined leather jacket, strawberry sweet nothings in your ear—you’re going faster, faster, intoxicated by the open road. Now if you can just figure out how to break.

DRINK NOW: 30-minute decant CELLAR: Now through 4-6 years

Tasting Notes: Based all on 100% Grenache from multiple sites in California and aged 4 years in 30% new French oak, the  Grenache Late Bloomer offers a Domaine de Marcoux-like perfume of kirsch liqueur, white flowers, melted licorice, and dried flowers. Exuberant, full-bodied, and incredibly sexy on the palate, it’s another rockingly singular, sexy Grenache from Russell. It’s great today but should keep for 5-7 years.