2008 Spring Release Notes
Our new facility saw its first complete harvest season in 2006. How wonderful it is to be under one roof! Our grapes follow the same path once they reach the winery, with some exceptions which we detail in the tasting notes. Sorting tables pre and post destemming allow us to remove any unwanted berries, clusters, stems, leaves or other materials that fell into the picking bins during the harvesting process. Friends and family, an eclectic mix of loud music and an occasional “civilized lunch” are all important components of this sometimes tedious sorting process. One can only think that great wine will evolve from such a happy beginning! After the clusters and grapes have been sorted, the predominantly whole berries are fermented in small lots where they see a 3-5 day cold soak. As the grapes rise in temperature, the native yeasts begin the fermentation process. Twice daily punch downs, and delastage on alternating days allow full skin contact and aeration for rich colors, flavors and tannins. Just before fermentation is complete, the free run juice is allowed to flow into barrels. The remaining must is placed into our basket press for a gentle pressing then into barrels for aging.
If you're interested in purchasing any wine, get more information by signing up for the mailing list. If you’re already a member, you can sign in to place your order.
2007 Pink
- Blend
- Rosé of Grenache, Mouvédre and Tempranillo
- Appearance
- Clear fleshy pink.
- Nose
- Strawberry jam, violets and black pepper on the nose. Medium bodied with nice round subtle tannins.
- Palate
- Ripe red berries, watermelon and violet. 100% stainless steel tank fermentation.
2007 White
- Blend
- 45% Grenache Blanc, 35% Viognier, 20% Roussanne
- Appearance
- Clear pale gold in the glass.
- Nose
- Scents of pineapple, honey, freshly sliced Granny Smith apples, lemon curd and wysteria flowers. It’s like inhaling spring.
- Palate
- Rich mouth feel with nice acid. Quince and candied lemon peel lead to a mineral finish. Predominantly stainless steel fermentation with a small percentage aged in second fill oak barrels.
2006 Garnacha
This fruit always shows opulence without being ostentatious. Denner Vineyard is now in its 8th year of production. The fruit off this vineyard continues to evolve and impress. The 2006 Grenache is a pure, classic example of this variety grown in the limestone of west Paso Robles.
- Blend
- 100% Denner Vineyard Grenache
- Appearance
- Bright ruby
- Nose
- White pepper, black cherry and red licorice rope.
- Palate
- Pomegranate, blackberry and white pepper. Full bodied with nice viscosity and a smooth finish.
2006 Palenque
Sold Out
No animal cruelty was involved in the creation of this wine. Nor is it something that we condone. It is our tribute to all those who engage in the blood sport of wine banter. How is it that wine has become so controversial? Something that should only bring pleasure to a meal with friends and family has become the impetus for many a cockfight. The 2006 Palenque is sure to ruffle some feathers. It is wine the way we like it. Earthy, spicy, balanced, and of course, provocative.
- Blend
- 50/50 Denner Grenache and whole cluster Mourvèdre co-fermented
- Appearance
- Dark Ruby
- Nose
- Meaty with black pepper, sage, and brown sugar.
- Palate
- Molasses, truffles, dark fruits, cherry confiture and salad herbs. Great structure and texture result in a lengthy finish.
2006 Willow Creek Cuvée
Willow Creek Cuvée is always a blend of grapes from Denner and James Berry Vineyards. This year’s cuvée displays richness balance and finesse.
- Blend
- 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre
- Appearance
- Dark ruby
- Nose
- Bacon fat and cherry cola, earth and meat.
- Palate
- Nice combination of red and black fruits, spice, meat, coffee and cocoa. Harmonious integration of tannin and acid.
2006 Mas de Maha
The namesake of our estate, Mas de Maha represents the perfect indigenous wine to pair with our local bounty of grass fed animals and organic produce.
- Blend
- 60% Ohana Tempranillo, 25% Denner Grenache, 15% Booker Mourvèdre
- Appearance
- Deep garnet
- Nose
- Plum jam, warm spices, California wild herbs and fennel.
- Palate
- Spicy front palate, with notes of clove, cherry candy, dark fruits and anise. Moderate structure with balanced acidity and a long smooth finish.
2005 Onda
Onda is aptly named for a Spanish word meaning “good vibe”. Aged in 100% new French Terransaud puncheons for twenty four months, Onda shows a warmth, and finesse that only time can award. This wine is reminiscent of traditional Rioja without the funk. The label depicts the pre-Columbian motif that adorns a favorite wedding gift; a custom made Oaxacan tapestry that brings good “onda” to our home. Hopefully this wine will bring the same to yours.
- Blend
- 1/3 Ohana Tempranillo, 1/3 James Berry Vineyard Syrah, 1/3 Denner Mourvèdre
- Appearance
- Deep burgundy
- Nose
- Caramel and espresso beans. Malabar pepper and cola spring from the glass with a new world raciness.
- Palate
- Black cherry, cola, figs and spice. Full bodied and luscious with great structure. An elegant wine with depth and richness.