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Owen Bargreen

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Russell From is the founder of one of Paso Robles’s great wineries, Herman Story.

Russell From is the founder of one of Paso Robles’s great wineries, Herman Story.

Herman Story

April 7, 2020

Every great wine has a creative genius behind it. Russell P. From is the creative genius behind Herman Story wines. Russell grew up visiting his grandfather’s farm in eastern Missouri, driving a tractor and generally getting into whatever trouble he could find. Over time Russell grew very fond of the outdoors. Growing up in the East Bay of San Francisco, Russell attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, studying agricultural business, harkening back to his days visiting that Missouri farm.

He caught the wine bug at a very early age, interning at Lockwood Vineyards in his Freshman year of college he has never looked back, now working over 25 harvests. HIs winery, Herman Story, began in 2001 and has received great critical acclaim since its inception in 2002. Having tried these wines over the past decade, the style tends to be a bold, unbridled style of winemaking that full-throttle and hedonistic. 

Nearly two years ago my college, Dr. Jae Hong, and I tasted at the winery and we were both blown away with the overall quality of the lineup. Such is true with the new wines, mostly coming from the 2017 vintage in Paso Robles which was very warm and some feared some heat damage from the super high August temperatures. These wines were all exceedingly rich and decadent but also showed excellent acidity.  The 2017 Herman Story ‘Larner Vineyard’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) is a stunning wine that has good brightness and wonderful density. I was blown away with the 2017 Herman Story ‘White Hawk Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 93) which is a massive and intense wine that has everything you would expect from a great Paso Syrah. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.hermanstorywines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Russell P. From and his Herman Story winery.

2017 Herman Story ‘Larner Vineyard’ Red Wine- A blend of 55% Syrah with the reminder Grenache, the ‘Larner Vineyard’ shows massive tar and tobacco with a massive core of dark fruits on this intense nose. The texture imparted is thrilling. A light minerality connects with the soft blackberry and black cherry flavors that meld with the earthy undertones. Fantastic in its youth, the ‘Larner Vineyard’ will cellar well over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Herman Story ‘Casual Encounters’ Red Wine- The ‘Casual Encounters’ is an impressive blend of mainly Syrah and Grenache with small portions Grenache, Carignan and a hint of Tannat. On the nose this takes on spicy undertones that meld with the rich core of dark fruits and creosote tones. Rich and round, with a soft mouthfeel, the wine unveils Black Forest Cake, black olive tapenade and mocha flavors that connect with the good mineral backbone. Drink 2020-2030- 93

Herman Story Grenache Late Bloomer.jpg

2015 Herman Story ‘Late Bloomer’ Grenache- Soft, round and generous, this massive Grenache wine shows deep layers of tar and tobacco leaf that dance with the rich core of red and dark fruits. Soft and generous, this has serious length and richness. Not for the weary, this high octane Grenache will be best enjoyed over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2017 Herman Story ‘Shadow Canyon Vineyard’ Red Wine- A blend of 80% Syrah with the remainder Grenache, this high octane wine shows deep dark fruits with blueberry compote, creosote and leather on this expressive nose. The palate has massive dark fruits with a good mineral backbone that mingles with the tar and blueberry pie flavors. Forward, with great length and richness, the ‘Shadow Canyon Vineyard’ will have another decade in the cellar but is nearly impossible to resist right now. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Herman Story ‘White Hawk Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘White Hawk Vineyard’ Syrah by Herman Story is a gorgeous new intense and decadent release. Massive and intense, with a huge core of dark fruits, chocolate and sandalwood flavors, the ‘White Hawk Vineyard’ will have at least another seven years in the cellar to enjoy — and is a massive challenge to resist in its youth. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2017 Herman Story ‘Bolt Cutter’ Red Wine- The ‘Bolt Cutter’ is an intense blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon with near equal portions Petit Verdot and Syrah. Dense and generous, this has a silky mouthfeel and wonderful structure. Light tannins frame a core of dark fruits and chocolate, with anise and pencil lead accents. A gorgeous bottling in its youth, the ‘Bolt Cutter’ will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 93

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