Tagged: Santa Maria AVA

Herman Story: “The best wine you’ve ever been served outside a tire shop.”

Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 2

THE STORY

We continue our wine tasting adventures in Paso Robles with a whopper.  I remembered tasting a Herman Story wine with our Decanting Monterey Wine Pod and put it on our list. (For more about our Paso weekend, see last week’s post here and subscribe for free to see all the upcoming installments!)

Herman Story is located in an unlikely place for a tasting room.  No, not right off the town square, but literally between a tire shop and a welding supply place. We were very happy with the experience and the wines. We tasted lots of wines, got a tour of the facility, and even got to taste a prized Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah. We bought more wine here than at any other winery. I would go back in a heartbeat.

My previous post about Herman Story is here: Herman Story Wines: “…made, schlepped, peddled, and drunk with friends.”

THE WINERY

About Herman Story from their website (which is hilarious, by the way and worthy of a look):

“Here’s a little secret:

“We’re cooks, not chemists. You might be saying, what about terroir? Science? The technical details I read on that one critic’s vintage report? Don’t worry, that’s all part of it. Get grapes from exceptional vineyards, make careful decisions in the cellar, be relentless about quality, you’ll be turning out showstoppers.

“At the end of the day, we make wines that’ll pair just as well with a triple-stacked bacon cheeseburger as they will with an extravagant eight-course tasting menu. Wines you can contemplate at a massive mahogany desk or chug while your friend falls from a keg-stand into an inflatable pool of Jello. Either way, they’re a damn good time.”

About Russell P. From:

“Before he was a winemaker, a self-proclaimed black belt, and an internationally renowned runway model, Russell always had a borderline-concerning obsession with great food and wine. After graduating from Cal Poly with a few winery internships (and a bunch of noise complaints) under his belt, he started Herman Story in 2001 with seven humble barrels of Syrah stashed in his employer’s cellar.” You can read more about Russell here.

THE WINES

Today I’m bringing you the 8 Herman Story wines we tasted. The notes are amplified by the “Decanting Monterey Wine Pod North.” Winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the bottle or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2021 Herman Story Witness Protection Chardonnay, Paso Robles AVA, 14.4% ABV, $72 (#1608)

Winery Notes: “This is the Wednesday night book club that turns out to be a front for a sports gambling ring. Up front, refined lemon-meringue formalities and Anjou pear prose, but behind closed doors, reserved suburbanites slamming sidecars and placing bets that would give their accountants conniptions. Take the over on spiced pineapple, call stone fruit to cover the spread, and throw a parlay on vanilla, nutmeg, and that buzzing streak of minerality. Then gather your things, collect your winnings, and tell them you can’t wait for chapter two.” 

My Review: Nice bouquet with peach, a smidge of butter. A good Chardonnay. August 2025

2020 Herman Story On the Road Grenache, Paso Robles AVA, 15.7% ABV, $72 (#1609)

Winery Notes: “These hard-boiled bootleggers know how to make a scene. An hour before, you were at the local juice joint, downing black cherry and black tea elixirs with a couple of licorice-suited cool cats. Then you had to scram, and fast. Now, you’re hightailing a Model T across the frozen Detroit River with the coppers in hot pursuit and this wine in tow. Pop a bottle for good fortune. Candied-blackberry satin, mossy mineral mother of pearl, spiced pie crust pistols, maraschino liqueur, the wind in your face and Canada’s shrouded shores, just out of sight.” 

My Review: No notes. August 2025

2021 Herman Story Bolt Cutter, Paso Robles AVA, 15.8% ABV, $72 (#1610) 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 10% Syrah

Winery Notes: “All the brash ferocity of a Clubber Lang left hook, tempered by the gentle nuance of his post-boxing career as a pâtissier. Chef’s whites with the sleeves torn off and sideways toque blanc, hands capable of furious jab flurries, now nimbly crafting marzipan blueberry cannelés, honey-drizzled blackberry tarts, star anise garnishes, black leather vests, crumbled graham cracker, and heavy gold chains, all delicately arranged on tiny alabaster plates. And he pities the fool who sends any of it back.”

My Review: Dirt and dark plum on the nose. I didn’t capture notes for the palate.  August 2025

2022 Herman Story Nuts & Bolts Syrah, Paso Robles AVA, 15.9% ABV, $72 (#1611)

Winery Notes: “Grandma always told you: never get into an Old West-style duel with a flintlock-wielding grizzly bear. But now, you’ve gone and completely ignored that advice. First pace, charred raspberry tree bark. Second pace, leather quivers full of white flowers. Third pace, molasses marble mushroom stew. Fourth pace, roast brisket meat hooks. Fith, mulberry maple-hilted bowie knives. Then you turn to find razor-sharp claws, mineral-tinged fisticuffs, and the answer to the lingering question of how gram-gram got that scar.”

My Review: Cinnamon and dark plum on the nose. My only tasting note is that “I could drink that.” We opened one of these at home and it proved that to be true.  One of my favorites of the day. August 2025

2021 Herman Story White Hawk Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara AVA, 15.9% ABV, $82 (#1612)

Winery Notes: “You didn’t know this old, marble-pillared hotel had a basement bar until you hit the wrong elevator button. A little ten-seater, solid maple, shrouded in sweet tobacco haze, backed by toasted Scotch barrels, a clientele donning mulberry Stetsons and swing dresses – straight from the dark-fruit memories of decades past. The barkeep plates up a perfectly crusted Ribeye, tinged with thyme and spicy pepper, beside a Rob Roy in a crystal glass. Sophisticated and timeless. Except when you try to go back, the concierge says the owner passed in 1958, and it’s been closed ever since.”

My Review: This is an enormous wine – fruity, intense, with tobacco on the finish. August 2025

2021 Herman Story Milk & Honey, Paso Robles AVA, 15.9% ABV, $72 (#1613) 72% Tempranillo, 19% Syrah, 7% Mourvedre, 2% Petit Verdot

Winery Notes: “Like you always say, it’s not a private-school fundraiser until someone throws a punch. To the great dismay of the superintendent, the scrum is upending trays of red velvet macarons and auction ready gift baskets. Benefactors in chocolate-lapelled jackets grappling over pepper-plum tortes. Punch-soaked valedictorians wielding cognac lamb chops like hatchets. Dark-fruit haymakers full of menace and mille-feuille. And by the time the smoke has settled and they’re searching for the provocateur, you’re already in the parking lot, sipping bourbon with the custodians.”

My Review: Really dark and tannic. That’s all I wrote. August 2025

2023 Herman Story First Time Caller Petite Sirah, Paso Robles AVA, 15.7% ABV, $72 (#1614)

Winery Notes: “There we have it, folks: a new champ of Brain Busters. You’ve bested your opponents in a grueling gauntlet of trivia trials. Now, Johnny, tell them what they’ve won. Headed your way is a coveted package including a full truckload of blueberry coulis, Violet-lavender mead, and herb-charred tenderloin. But that’s not all. We’re throwing in an all-inclusive trip to black-licorice shores, Black Amber plum paradise, cacao molé trails, and bramble mountain. All you have to do is answer this final, ever-so-simple question: Can you handle it?”

My Review: Toast, caramel, and a little stinky on the nose. Earthy on the palate. This is a huge wine which will last. Needs to age. August 2025

2022 Herman Story Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Barbara County, 15.8% ABV, $82 (#1615)

Winery Notes: “There’s a man who lives in a 1961 Shasta Airflyte on the shore of Loch Ness, and word is he can talk to Nessy. So hike out into the berry-strewn, brambly hills, through herb-laden forests and along crumbling slate crags, until you smell the stewed plum and pepper-crusted venison backstrap. There, he’ll outfit you with a huckleberry-flint bowie knife, vanilla-clove paracords, and an old Polaroid 600, then take you paddling in a dinghy, trying to fathom the boundless depths below.”

My Review: Dark, dark fruit and bacon fat on the nose. I’m in love with the fresh dark fruit on the palate of this wine. Bien Nacido is one of my all-time favorite vineyards for Syrah. August 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Yes, odd location. Yes, a must-stop winery if you like your big reds like I do.  I’d go back in a heartbeat.

“Located between the tire shop & the welding supply place”: 1227 Paso Robles Street, Paso Robles Thursday – Monday, 11am-5pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 11am-4pm.”

Check them out on Instagram here: @hermanstorywines.

© Decanting Monterey 2025

**FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Santa Barbara County Syrah: Getting One Rhône Varietal Right!!

THE STORY – SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH

I love it when my husband joins me in my quest for the perfect Central Coast Syrah. In addition to finding some right here in Monterey County, we can just venture south to find Paso Robles or Santa Barbara County Syrah. We acquired these wines by hunting deals through K&L Wine Merchants and enjoyed them at home. I’ve written before about Stolpman Vineyards and Beckmen Vineyards, so I encourage you to read about them here: Stolpman Delivers a World Class Experience and Wrapping Up our “Sideways” Tour with Beckmen Vineyards!

All three wines are written up below, but I will spend more of today’s post talking about Jaffurs Wine Cellars.

ABOUT JAFFURS WINE CELLARS:

“Jaffurs is dedicated to producing fine wine with a New World independence. For over two decades we have specialized in Rhône-style wines from the premier vineyards in Santa Barbara County.  All wines are handcrafted at our winery in downtown Santa Barbara, California.”

“Jaffurs Wine Cellars is dedicated to producing great Rhône varietal wines with a New World independence. Our wines – Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Viognier, and Roussanne – are among the best in the county. Founder Craig Jaffurs produced his first professional wines during the 1994 harvest. All of our wines are carefully made in small lots. Approximately 5,000 cases are produced each year. We work closely with our growers in the Santa Ynez, Ballard Canyon, Santa Rita Hills, Los Alamos, and Santa Maria regions. We limit vineyard yields and require that optimal farming practices are observed.  All of our wines are crushed, pressed, cellared, and bottled in our Santa Barbara facility. Visit us for a glimpse of world class winemaking in the heart of the city. 2018 was our 25th harvest! …”

THE WINES: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH

Today I’m bringing you 3 Santa Barbara County Syrahs. Winery notes come from their websites, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2020 Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1435)

Winemaker’s Notes: “The 2020 Originals impresses with its sheer scope: a vast spectrum from lifted to candied red fruit immediately enters into an exotic, forested wilderness. Meaty, smoky umami and sangre awaken the carnal appetite. All of these sensations thrust into overdrive while the wine is young and within a few years the forces will unite into one beautiful being. Certainly one of the most age-worthy wines from the heralded 2020 vintage, which makes sense, as it is the very last cuvee from 2020 to be released. ”

Wine Enthusiast – 97 points: “The 2020 vintage took this bottling from older vines to another level. Light game, plum paste, charred meat and white-pepper aromas lead into a palate of pure meat, roasted elderberry and woodsmoke. The richness is balanced by firm tannins. Drink now–2040.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Very dark in the glass. A delicious bouquet of blackberries, buttered popcorn, and dirt. Opened up into a full bodied, yet soft, smooth palate of crushed tart berries, plum and violets with a touch of alcohol on the finish. June and August 2024

2019 Jaffurs Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.9% ABV, $55 (#1436)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Planted across two blocks up the hillsides overlooking Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido is our coolest-climate Syrah vineyard. The 2019 is a dark, full-bodied wine showing blackberry, black current, crushed pepper, and violet. Bright acidity and a supple mid-palate texture with mineral tension and a long, saline finish. This is a classic Bien Nacido Syrah that needs 2-3 years in bottle to show at its best and will easily age an additional 10.”

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “Tightly wound aromas of blackberry, dried beef, packed purple flowers, and light tar make for a dense though not overly ripe nose on this bottling from the historic vineyard. The wine is also dense and chalky on the palate, with black-fruit and blueberry flavors that are detailed in pepper, soy, and lavender. A comforting hit of vanilla shows on the finish.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Dark, rich garnet in the glass, almost purple. Bright crushed berries, rose petal and mocha on the nose. Tongue coating palate of cherry and berry with a complex, menthol finish with a touch of tobacco. This was pretty darn good! I’d like to visit this winery! April & September 2024

2017 Beckmen Vineyards Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.7 ABV, $37 (#1437)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Dark chocolate, plum, blackberry, vanilla, black pepper, grilled meats, and game are hallmarks of Purisima Mountain Syrah.”

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “This is a classic expression of Ballard Canyon’s Goldilocks appeal, blending the rich potential of warmer-weather Syrah with cooler-climate freshness. Aromas of black cherry, fudge and even butterscotch lead to a palate were oaky caramel and cappuccino flavors are cut by crisp pepper spice.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Very dark in the glass. Blueberry on the nose. Dark and lean on the palate. I liked this wine, despite it not being as fruity as some of our Central Coast Syrahs. July 2024

THE TASTING ROOMS: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH

Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Options: Reservations are required for tastings at the winery or at the Los Olivos Patio, which is open daily from 11am to 4pm. $25 Tasting Fee

Jaffurs Wine Cellars winery and tasting room is located at 819 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara. Open Monday – Sunday 11am to 5:00pm t: (805) 962-7003, e: info@jaffurswine.com

Beckmen Vineyards: “A working vineyard. A country escape.Open Daily 11am – 5pm Our red barn winery, tasting decks, gazebos, and duck ponds overlooking the Thomas & Judith Beckmen Estate Vineyard provide an idyllic wine country setting for savoring our handcrafted wines. We invite you to join us for a wine tasting, vineyard and winery tour, bottle service at our gazebos, dock, or pondside lounge, or a private tour and wine tasting.”

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Bien Nacido Estate: First Stop on Our “Sideways” Tour!

I haven’t been outside of Monterey County to do wine tasting in the U.S. since I started Decanting Monterey. Planning a trip to my north San Diego County home town for a reunion, I conjured up a great idea:  Why not stop in Santa Barbara County in search of Ballard Canyon AVA Syrahs on my long drive down?  When I mentioned this to my friend who was also heading south, she said she had just rewatched the movie “Sideways” and thought we should make an adventure out of it.  She arranged for a friend to drive her over so we could make the rest of the trip south in one car. 

I booked us wine tastings in Los Olivos based on reviews of their Syrahs. I was able to do 2 quick Syrah tastings in the morning before I met them for lunch.  After lunch, we did 2 sit-down tastings at places that also served whites (their preference).  We made hotel reservations in Buellton and even ate at 2 restaurants from the “Sideways” movie – the Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café for lunch and The Hitching Post II for dinner.  Great wine, great company and good food. 

Over the next few posts, I will be presenting you the wines we tasted on this quick trip, starting with Bien Nacido Estate.  I have experienced some incredibly fabulous Syrahs made from Bien Nacido Vineyard grapes, so why not taste at the vineyard’s winery!

About Bien Nacido Estate from its website:  “World-Renowned Vineyard, World-Class Estate Wines”

“As the heart and soul of Santa Maria Valley wine country, the iconic Bien Nacido Vineyard is a coveted source of exceptional Burgundian and Rhone grape varieties and elegant estate wine. With the influence of the Pacific, the reliable California sun and incredible viticultural and winemaking teams, our vineyard consistently yields world-class fruit, resulting in a portfolio of highly acclaimed estate and client wines alike.”

“A California Icon in the Heart of the Santa Maria Valley

“One of the oldest cool-climate vineyards in California and home of the world’s most single vineyard designations, Bien Nacido Vineyard has been an acclaimed source of world-glass grapes and estate wine since its founding in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller.

“Meaning “Well Born” in Spanish, Bien Nacido was planted on the historic site of the Rancho Tepusquet land grant, a plot of land that was granted to Tomás Olivera in 1837, when California was still a part of Mexico. The Olivera Family’s adobe, built in 1857, still graces the estate today – a majestic sentinel looking after the vines.”

In January 2021, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Bien Nacido Vineyard one of the 10 Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines:

“Located on California’s Central Coast, Bien Nacido dates to 1837. However, it didn’t arrive on many wine lovers’ maps until the Millers, a fifth-generation family of California farmers, purchased it in 1969.

“Their dream was to shepherd a vineyard that rivaled those of the great estates of Europe. Many people believe that dream has been realized.  

“Bien Nacido lies in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County. It’s one of the coolest growing sites in the state due to the ocean influence and transverse (east-west orientation) Santa Ynez mountain range. The vineyard is planted to 900 acres of vines and supplies grapes to many high-end wineries in California.”

I had called ahead to let Bien Nacido know I was coming to taste their Syrahs. Maya, the tasting room presenter, figured out who I was right away. “You must be Sharon!” My trusty notebook was a dead giveaway. I kept this first tasting very short and focused on 3 red wines. Bien Nacido also makes award-winning whites and are worthy of a longer visit. Winery tasting notes come from their website or the tasting sheet, unless otherwise indicated.

2021 Bien Nacido The Bench Red, Santa Maria Valley AVA, 13.5% ABV, $45 (#811)   50% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre

Winery Notes: This is a newer release than posted on the website.  Maya called it a “Netflix and chill” wine.   

My Review: Purple hue. Dark, grape aromas on the nose plus a little something slightly off-putting I call the “Central Coast Funk”. The heavy Syrah component gives it a nice, jammy palate with lots of berry and cherry flavors and a lingering finish. Yummy. I took one of these home with me. August 2022

2019 Bien Nacido Syrah, Santa Maria Valley AVA, 14% ABV, $60 (#812)

Winery Notes: “A classic expression of Bien Nacido offering aromas of fresh violet and white pepper with flavors of blueberry pie on the palate.”

My Review: Dark ruby/purple in the glass. Spice, jam and caramel on the nose. Intense dark fruit, tobacco and spice on the palate – a bit over the top. Would pair well with a rib-eye steak!  A wine to lay down and revisit. August 2022

2018 Bien Nacido The XO Reserve Syrah, Santa Maria Valley AVA, 13% ABV, $100 (#813)

Winery Notes: “Our XO Syrah is crafted exclusively from our famed X Block, the source of cool-climate California’s first Syrah plantings. Named in honor of The Executive Officer (the XO), second in command of a naval ship, this exceptional wine consistently exhibits incredibly concentrated flavors, a deep inky color and distinct elements of espresso, meat and sage. The XO Syrah spends 18 months in 25% new French Oak barrels, resulting in tight-grained tannins. With only select grapes used to harvest this wine, The XO Syrah is consistently one of our most sought-after small-lot wines, with some vintages yielding as few as 44 cases a year…

“Concentrated flavors, deep color and the prestige of coming from cool-climate California’s oldest Syrah vines make it no surprise that this exceptional wine is one of the most coveted produced from Bien Nacido Vineyard.”

Wine Enthusiast – 96 points: “This Syrah expresses leather, tobacco, and smoked meats on the nose. The palate has an unbelievable density with clove and white pepper giving way to brooding tannins and excellent length. The intensity displayed in this wine will unwind in the coming years.”

My Review: Dark ruby/purple in the glass. Spice, jam and caramel on the nose. Intense dark fruit, tobacco and spice on the palate – a bit over the top. Would pair well with a rib-eye steak!  Another wine to lay down and revisit. I was very lucky to be able to taste this members-only wine.  August 2022

Tasting Bien Nacido Wines in Los Olivos: “Our tasting room offers the perfect opportunity to experience the best of Bien Nacido Estate, with a variety of ways to explore our portfolio. Enjoy a tasting flight featuring both Bien Nacido Estate wines and the wines of our sister winery, Solomon Hills Estate. Consider upgrading your tasting experience by pairing your flight with some charcuterie and cheese. Stop in for a glass of our current selections or join some friends for a bottle to share.” Located at 2963 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441.  Make a reservation on their website or call them at 805-318-6640.  They are open Sunday, Monday and Thursday 10-5 and Friday and Saturday 10-6.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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