Wine Along The 101
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    • 2022 Articles >
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Visceral and explosive, the highly acclaimed and powerful wines of Denner Vineyards will enchant and enthrall you.  Producing Rhône and Bordeaux style wines for the past twenty years in the oasis of Paso Robles dirt, Denner offers a sensory experience, what winemaker Anthony Yount summarizes as a “high yummy factor”.  One sip and you’ll be transported, what Yount describes as “suspenseful” aromas and flavors.  Perhaps suspended animation, as time stands still for that first sip, and then the energy flows over you.  The wine blossoms ever so slowly, like a flower, revealing its sensory essence a little at a time, evolving in the swirl of smell and taste, it's mesmerizing.
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Ron Denner, Courtesy of Denner Vineyards
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Estate Vineyards, Courtesy of Denner Vineyards
Over 20 years ago, Ron Denner came to Paso and bought land on the Westside, realizing a dream that he had for years.  The limestone deposits in this area gave Denner an advantage, promoting vine health, water retention, drainage and higher acidity in the finished wines.  The business plan was to set up things right for the long haul.  Sustainable and environmentally friendly in its operation, it encompasses everything from dry farming when possible, organically farmed vines (but not certified), a gravity flow system, 100% solar and wastewater treatment on site. These practices seem to give the wines “a true representation of time and place”, and if you're familiar with Paso Robles, this liquid gold appears to capture it perfectly.
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Denner Vineyards Dirt Worshipper 2018
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Denner Vineyards Mother of Exiles 2018
I had the pleasure of participating in a Zoom tasting of two of Denner’s flagship wines with Winemaker Anthony Yount, General Manager Carol Rounsaville and Chief Cellar Master Paul Lopez.  And it’s true, it’s a revelation to experience the Dirt Worshipper and Mother of Exiles, two big Paso wines that are different but will have you pondering the mysteries of the universe nonetheless.  According to Yount, although every year is a surprise, the textural profiles come together for the style of wine that they want to make.  But 2018 was a particularly sweet spot for Paso wines, considered the best vintage in the past ten years.
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The 2018 Dirt Worshipper (SRP $80) is a stunner, 98% Syrah co-fermented with 1% Viognier and 1% Roussanne for color, elegance, and mid-palate presence.  The name is a play on Ron Denner’s previous career, operating Ditch Witch dealerships throughout the Western US.  Sourced from five vineyards, the fruit is all fermented separately, with almost half whole cluster, and then back blended, and aged in a variety of oak barrels (15% new French, 7% new Hungarian, and the rest in neutral oak).  This is an explosive wine, with a savory nose of olive tapenade, white pepper, violets, blackberry, seared meats, nuts and pomegranate.  The rich and plush texture belie that balance of acidity and roundness, it’s a refined blend of Old and New World styles.  Opulent and mouth-filling to the nth degree, it finishes incredibly long, and goes on and on.  This would be a perfect pair with grilled meats or porcini mushroom dishes.
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The 2018 Mother of Exiles (SRP $80) is very different from the Dirt Worshipper, brooding and powerful but not too lean or too ripe, the Goldilocks syndrome, just right.  The name comes from a poem, called “Mother of Exiles”, that refers to the Statue of Liberty and its flame.  A dense Bordeaux blend, 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, made from all estate fruit, it yields aromas of blackberry, violet, iodine, and leather.  Flavors of fig, cassis, espresso and graphite follow, while the round and polished tannins caress the palate.
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There is fresh acidity woven throughout, and each grape varietal contributes to the overall impression.  According to Chief Cellar Master Paul Lopez, Cabernet Sauvignon gives it the red fruit and structure, Merlot brings softness and strawberry fruit, Petit Verdot adds color and the floral element, Cabernet Franc offers baking spice accents, and the new French oak barrels donate vanilla, coffee, and cocoa notes.  Lopez believes that Petit Verdot is unique in this blend, and that the key is balance, to let the fruit shine and make sure the tannins don’t overpower the wine.  It’s this blend of density, power, finesse, and refinement that allows this wine to age beautifully.  Although the Mother of Exiles demonstrates vintage differences, overall the wine is very consistent in its profile.
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Courtesy of Denner Vineyards
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Courtesy of Denner Vineyards
Denner Vineyards makes nine wines; a Rhône-style Rosé, Viognier, Theresa (white Rhône blend), and the rest are reds.  According to Yount, “We make an effort to make sure you don’t taste the time and energy spent on the wines”.  Their two estate vineyards, Willow Creek and Adelaida, provide an interesting palette for their blends.  Willow Creek is the coolest, wetter with some fog, which makes for more spice and savory notes.  Adelaida is warmer, with no fog, which makes for more ripeness with floral and fruit notes.
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Comus Crush tasting room, Courtesy of Denner Vineyards
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Comus Vista tasting room, Courtesy of Denner Vineyards
To really taste the essence of Denner Vineyards, General Manager Carol Rounsaville recommends visiting the estate.  Here, there are two tasting room experiences, Comus Crush for wine club members, and Comus Vista for the public.  Currently, because of Covid precautions, tastings are by appointment only, with a sit down sampling of five wines, and tables spaced ten feet apart, with sanitizing protocols between visitors.  Denner is open daily from 10-4, and the $25 tasting fee is waived upon bottle purchase.  If you become smitten, there are advantages to joining the wine club.  Members have access to limited production wines, complimentary tastings for up to six people, event invitations, discounts on wines, and free shipping anywhere in the US.
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Denner is considered one of Paso Robles best kept secrets, but maybe not much longer.  Wine Spectator named Dirt Worshipper as #18 of its Top 100 wines of 2019.  Word is getting out, that some of the most exciting and yummy wines are coming from Denner Vineyards.