Planted in 1999, Denner Vineyards is a winegrowing estate on the far western border of the Paso Robles AVA. The 156-acres press up against the Santa Lucia Range, giving the site great diversity of elevation, aspect, and soil. The 108 acres under vine are comprised of 19 different varieties in 26 unique blocks. Each block is farmed with painstaking attention to detail, allowing only for the best possible grapes to reach the winery. Aron Nevarez, the vineyard manager, is committed to environmentally friendly farming practices, using only sustainable inputs and minimal irrigation.

The 2021 Denner Vineyards Ditch Digger Paso Robles is the first-time the panel tasted wine from this producer. I was excited that it is a Southern Rhone Blend consisting of 45% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah, 12% Carignan, 5% Graciano. I have always been a lover of exceptional wines produced from the Paso Robles AVA. The color showed clarity with purple hues with ruby edges. From the glass aromas of blooming orchids, dark fruit, red plum, blackberry, Asian Spices with a slight hint of licorice, underbrush, and a whiff of vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky mouth-feel, finely grained tannins and acidity that is tense. The wine picks up a little minerality on approach through to the finish. The Denner Ditch Digger could use some time in the bottle for the tannins to soften and for the acidity to integrate into a more balanced wine.

By Perry Miroballi