Herman Story 2022 “First Time Caller” Petite Sirah, Paso Robles Highlands District – 96 Points

Winemaker Notes: “: It’s midnight at the MGM recording studio and Sammy Davis Jr.’s on the mic. Rat Pack gathered in blueberry silk Armani suits, Dark chocolate leather booths, Shou Pu-erh tea in mahogany mugs, and red velvet vocals crooned into a Shure SM56. Word to the sound engineer is: turn up the earth and spice. Fade in the quatre épices. Let the sweet black sesame echo. Then Sinatra’s looking your way and calling for backup vocals. You might’ve come to sweep the floors, but you’ll leave as a superstar.”

Vinous 96 Points: “Woodsy and exotic in the glass, the  First Time Caller, a varietal Petite Sirah, wafts up with a blend of wild blueberries, violets, and confectionary spice. This is silky-smooth with chalky mineral tones and a pretty inner sweetness.  Masses of tart wild briary fruits drench the palate in youthful concentration. The 2021 finishes long and lightly tannic with teeth-staining dark fruits and fine-grained tannins. An air of lavender slowly fades.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “All Petite Sirah, the 2022 First Time Caller comes from the Shell Creek and Rolph vineyards in Paso Robles and spent 18 months in 80% new barrels. This saturated purple-hued effort offers tons of jammy blue fruit as well as full-bodied richness, a round, plush, seamless mouthfeel, lots of spicy, peppery nuances, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s a big, rich, sexy Petite Sirah that stays balanced, graceful, and oh, so drinkable”

Also, check out these other Herman Story ( and family) Wines:

Herman Story 2021 “On The Road” Grenache 96 Points

Herman Story 2022 “Nuts & Bolts” Syrah 96 Points