Take the High Road
Perfect for your James Berry Vineyard fans!
Includes one bottle each of our 2021 and 2022 High Road, two logoed MAHA/Villa Creek 12.75 oz Stölzle stemless wine glasses, and a tasting certificate for two for our flagship tasting room experience. Shipping included.
2021 High Road
40% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre. This is the 20th anniversary of this wine and out of the chute has the potential to be one of the best to date! Dark and brooding in color one might think this is not a friendly creature. As you approach, the aromatics are quite the contrary. Dark fruits, smoked meats and sweet oak quickly say “hello friend”. The palate is generous with a melange of plums, boysenberries, purple flowers, and spice. Texturally stunning, with finely integrated tannins and just the right amount of tension. While built for the long haul, it currently is open for business. This one won’t last long, so get while the gettin’s good! Drink 2023-2040
"Clean aromas of blackberry compote are cut by earthy tones of graphite, splintered wood and damp loam on the nose of this blend of 40% Syrah, 38% Grenache and 22% Mourvèdre. Baked boysenberry and violet flavors meet with peppercorn on the chalky palate. Drink now–2038."
Matt Kettmann, 95
Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection*
"One of the flagships from this terrific property is the 2021 High Road James berry Vineyard, which is based on 40% Syrah, 38% Grenache, and 22% Mourvèdre. Ripe blackberries, darker cherries, licorice, ground pepper, and loamy earth are just some of its nuances, and it's full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced, with both ripe tannins and integrated acidity."
Jeb Dunnuck, 92 - 94+
2022 High Road
40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre. James Berry fruit is unmistakeable. A combination of soil, vine age, and farming gives this special site both finesse and power. Whether in the wines of Cris Cherry, Justin Smith, or Mark Adams, that JBV influence is hard to miss.
This vintage is right on target! We are drawn in to the glass by a deep, oxblood color. Ethereal notes of black fruits, plum, north African spices, and damp earth transition to a knock out palate that is balanced and generous with a melange of blackberry, savory shortbread, tapenade, white pepper, and Za’atar. It is seamless and delicious out of the chute and will evolve to become a graceful beast, showing beautiful fruit and savory notes. Pair with beef cheek tagine and grilled oyster mushroom kebabs with Lovage puree. Drink 2024-2034
"the 2022 High Road checks in as a mix of 40% Syrah, 38% Grenache, and 22% Mourvèdre that's all from the James Berry Vineyard. Mostly (80%) destemmed and brought up in 10% new oak, it has a deep ruby hue to go with a juicy array of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with pepper, spring flowers, and some Hermitage-like leather and meaty nuances. It's rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and incredibly well-balanced. It should shine right out of the gate."
Jeb Dunnuck, 94 - 96+