I love the unabashedly bold wines of Paso Robles. Years ago I was tasting with my colleague Dr. Jae Hong in Paso and we were both massively impressed with the Herman Story wines. These were unctuous, full-bodied wines that still had marvelous poise that holds everything brilliantly together. A man with a great story in wine, 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 was inspired to become a winemaker at a young age, first interning at Lockwood Vineyards in his Freshman year of college — and 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.
I adored the new 2020 Herman Story wines. The new 2019 Herman Story ‘Tomboy’ Viognier (OB, 92) is fresh and rich with a great mineral backbone. I adored the new is unctuous and rich with a silky texture. Even better is the sinfully good 2019 Herman Story ‘Nuts & Bolts’ Syrah (OB, 94) which is a hedonistic monster of a Syrah that is absolutely delicious to consume right now. 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.
2020 Herman Story ‘Tomboy’ Viognier- The 2020 ‘Tomboy’ was sourced from Santa Barbara County. Deeply concentrated honeysuckle and orange blossom tones alongside praline notes that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and plus with a seamless texture and glorious sense of length. Not for the weary, enjoy over the next five plus years. Drink 2022-2028- 92
2019 Herman Story ‘On The Road’ Grenache- The 2019 ‘On The Road’ unveils beautiful red rose petals, tobacco leaf and tangerine zest tones. The palate is plush and soft with a generous texture and nice sense of weight. Finishing long with minerals, scorched earth and herbal accents, this is a gorgeous new Grenache that will cellar well for another eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 93
2020 Herman Story ‘Nuts & Bolts’ Syrah- Very dark and brooding in the glass, the 2020 ‘Nuts & Bolts’ Syrah offers extremely concentrated black cherry, blackberry and tar tones on the palate with great tension holding everything together. Delicious and decadent, this will carry on well for another decade. Drink 2022-2030- 94
2020 Herman Story ‘Bien Naceido Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this famed site in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2020 ‘Bien Naceido Vineyard’ Syrah shows off lovely white pepper dusted brisket, black olive tapenade and blackberry compote with black rose tones that all sing in unison. Very refined on the mouth, this is very salty and savory Syrah that will gratify over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 95
2020 Herman Story ‘Milk & Honey’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Tempranillo and Syrah, this exudes class on the nose with smoked pork shoulder, worn leather and intense dark fruits with creme de violette notes. The palate is well-balanced and shows wonderful earthy tones from the Tempranillo and greta flavor range. This has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for another decade. Drink 2022-2032- 94
2020 Herman Story ‘First Time Caller’ Petite Sirah- The 2020 ‘First Time Caller’ is a dense and chewy new Petite Sirah that is delicious even in its youth. Blueberry compote, mocha, tar and anise tones combine with firm tannins on the palate. Finishing very long, this is novel and complex Petit Sirah that is definitely not for the weary. Drink 2022-2032- 94