Herman Story
Nuts & Bolts California Syrah
California, USA
This is my second Herman Story wine. Normally, I’d sock my ‘16 Syrahs away for years, but I’ve seen reviews say this is so enjoyable young, so I decided to experiment. This is like rocket fuel...full throttle. BUT, it stops short of being out of balance/gloopy. These wines make me think this winemaker, named Russell, is like the Russell Bevan version of Paso Rhône varietals...big, bold, & delicious in style.
After only 30mins, this revealed some smoked meat, peppercorn, olive and underripe blackberry. Some sage as well. Massive on the palate...all sorts of dark, ripe fruit with a sweetened core. Bacon fat, roasted plum, and baked berry pie. This is hedonistic in style and not for the faint of heart, but it does a good job of restraining itself from where it could go. A fun wine.
This is my second Herman Story wine. Normally, I’d sock my ‘16 Syrahs away for years, but I’ve seen reviews say this is so enjoyable young, so I decided to experiment. This is like rocket fuel...full throttle. BUT, it stops short of being out of balance/gloopy. These wines make me think this winemaker, named Russell, is like the Russell Bevan version of Paso Rhône varietals...big, bold, & delicious in style.
After only 30mins, this revealed some smoked meat, peppercorn, olive and underripe blackberry. Some sage as well. Massive on the palate...all sorts of dark, ripe fruit with a sweetened core. Bacon fat, roasted plum, and baked berry pie. This is hedonistic in style and not for the faint of heart, but it does a good job of restraining itself from where it could go. A fun wine.
Going 90 on this because for what it is, it’s very good. I do get it, and some of the others in a small family get together loved it. Powerful and complex - just not really my thing.
Going 90 on this because for what it is, it’s very good. I do get it, and some of the others in a small family get together loved it. Powerful and complex - just not really my thing.
Apr 7th, 2020
Rich and full bodied completely integrated tannins for this new world Syrah. Low acidity and and higher alcohol levels lead to and incredible experience
Rich and full bodied completely integrated tannins for this new world Syrah. Low acidity and and higher alcohol levels lead to and incredible experience
Oct 5th, 2019Needed a third syrah to fill out the 3rd flight last night and what better than one of my favorites. A little young but after a 2 hour decant it was singing. Flight winner!
Needed a third syrah to fill out the 3rd flight last night and what better than one of my favorites. A little young but after a 2 hour decant it was singing. Flight winner!
Sep 22nd, 2018
