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Villa Creek 2011 'High Road' James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles
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Item Number: 6535

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California Sub Region: San Luis Obispo
Appellation/AVA: Paso Robles
Vineyard Designation: James Berry Vineyard
Vintage: 2011
Grape(s): 40% Grenache / 40% Syrah / 20% Mourvèdre
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 15.2
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Case Production: 300


About the Vineyard: Pebble and Terry Smith were among the first to recognize the potential for Rhone varieties in Paso Robles. Together, with their son Justin, they have created what Robert Parker calls one of five grand cru vineyard sites in California. As a continual model for studies in progressive farming practices, the Smith family has worked to create a sustainable ecosystem that produces the finest grapes in the area. Limestone covered hills under which an ancient seabed floats, are the foundation for this amazing planting. The Villa Creek High Road blend is always comprised of this world class James Berry Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. This particular vintage is no less than a stunning representation of the power of this site. Cris Cherry is among the fortunate few that have access to this fruit.

Tasting Notes: Vibrant aromatics of candied orange peel, boysenberry, and pomegranate, lead one into the voluptuous palate. Red berry pie topped with vanilla bean and black pepper ice cream, is followed by a meaty finish (dessert before dinner is okay sometimes!). It is exquisitely balanced and will give years of pleasure. Drink 2013-2025

96pts by Antonio Galloni for Vinous
"Villa Creek's 2011 High Road is easily one of the wines of the vintage. A GSM blend from James Berry, the High Road is also fascinating, because it shows the stylistic breadth that is capable from this site. Rich, savory and finely knit but never heavy, the 2011 impresses for its combination of power and elegance. The 2010 is a wine of more immediate impact while the 2011 is more subtle, but ultimately even more delicious. In 2011 the Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre components were all co-fermented."

Reviews
Villa Creek 2011 'High Road' James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles
Rating: 94

(40% grenache, 40% syrah and 20% mourvedre; 50% whole clusters): Glass-staining ruby. Intense spice- and floral-accented aromas of black and blue fruits, Asian spices and woodsmoke, with a bright mineral nuance gaining power with air. Fresh and incisive, offering intense black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a subtle touch of candied violet. Fine-grained tannins build on a long, juicy finish that eventually ends on a sexy floral note.

- International Wine Cellar (12/1/2013)

Villa Creek 2011 'High Road' James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles
Rating: 94

The most impressive of the lineup and only slightly less impressive than the brilliant 2010, the 2011 High Road James Berry Vineyard checks in as a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that was fermented with 40% whole cluster and aged in 50% new French oak. Great stuff, with rich cassis, creamy licorice, spice, toast and tinges of chocolate, it’s massive and rich on the palate, with layers of fruit, no hard edges and a very drinkable profile. I don’t think it will make incredibly old bones, but certainly a decade is well within reason here. Drink now-2021.

- The Wine Advocate (8/29/2013)