2003 Herman Story Grenache Larner Vineyard


Pop and pour, not my usual choice for a wine with 15 years on it. No need to worry. Faintly spicy nose with plum notes. The fruit is still rich and changes as it crosses the palate. First plums with a hint of sweetened raspberries as it hits the midpalate, then lovely light cherry notes. A note of anise accompanies the fruit across the palate. Fully resolved tannins and nice acidity. Not a hint of heat despite the 16.3% ABV. A moderately long finish that highlights the fruit with a hint of black pepper. The wine stayed strong for at least an hour and then started to fade. A lovely example of a mature grenache. Maybe a bit better a couple of years ago, but lovely right now. B+


Charlie