Ratings:
93+
Antonio Galloni - Vinous
"Denner's 2011 Ditch Digger is a wine of great textural finesse. Sweet tobacco, dried herbs, flowers and spices all meld together beautifully in the glass. Silky, polished and utterly impeccable, the 2011 impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony. Black olives, savory herbs and spices linger on the finish. This is yet another great showing from Denner. The blend is 40% Grenache, 30% Syra, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Counoise."
93 Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media
"Inky ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of dark berries, potpourri and incense, along with a smoky note of olive tapenade. Rich, palate-coating cassis and mulberry preserve flavors are complemented by smoky mineral and bitter chocolate nuances. An emphatically rich but energetic wine that finishes with a strong jolt of smoky Indian spices and smooth tannins."
92 Jeb Dunnuck - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The 2011 The Ditch Digger also needs another year or two to round into form. Offering up beautiful black fruits, smoke and pepper intermixed with spice and earthy nuances, it flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied, elegant feel that carries rich flavors and sweet tannin. It’s nicely done and possesses an outstanding mix of richness and freshness. Drink 2015-2021.
This was a beautiful lineup of wines by winemaker Anthony Yount and I continue to be impressed with the wines of this estate. Located on the western edge of Paso Robles, the wines possess individual, unique characters that show not only Paso fruit, but balance and restraint. They’re highly recommended."
Product Description:
If you have tasted wines from Villa Creek Cellars, Linne Calodo, and Justin Vineyards
If you want something you can drink now or cellar
If you are looking for a big time deal ...
This is for you.
"Architect John Robert Mitchell and owner Ron Denner share a passion - great facility, great location, great people, and of course, great wine. John first built the estate home, and now has designed and built the winery tasting room and private Comus Center.
Planted in 1999, Denner Vineyards is a winegrowing estate on the far western border of the Paso Robles AVA. Our 156 acres press up against the Santa Lucia Range, giving the site great diversity of elevation, aspect and soil. Previously dry farmed barley, the estate is nestled into the Templeton Gap, an East/West corridor where the marine layer can reach the inland valleys. As a result we receive large diurnal temperature swings without high moisture pressure, giving us a near perfect growing climate.
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, our vineyard manager, is committed to environmentally friendly farming practices, using only sustainable inputs and minimal irrigation.
The original 96-acres were designed and planted by John Crossland of Beckstoffer fame. Later, Justin Smith of Saxum came on to consult with Aron Nevarez running the operation. Since 2005 Aron has had complete control of all vineyard operations, in addition to designing and planting the remaining 12 acres surrounding the winery.
Denner Vineyards currently uses 45 of the total 108 acres for our estate wine program. The remaining grapes are sold to ultra-premium producers here in Paso Robles. Much of our fruit graces the wines of Villa Creek Cellars, Linne Calodo, and Justin Vineyards among others." - Importer