TN: 2005 Denner "The Ditch Digger" (USA, California, Central

WINE TALK
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  • 2005 Denner “The Ditch Digger” - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (2/14/2011)
    Decanted two hours before serving. 46% Grenache 23% Syrah 23% Mourvedre 8% Counoise. Unbelievable nose showing red fruit, tar, black pepper and fennel. The decant really helped out. When I took a quick sip upon opening, I got sweet raspberry and lots of tannin. I figured that I had a bit of a monolith on my hands. The air really brought out some great complex layers, and wonderful balance on this wine. Plenty of red fruit on the mid palate, but tons of spicy herbal notes. Trying to work through the layers here is like trying to analyze individual flavors in a great sauce or dry rub. Sometimes, you say delicious and tip your hat to the chef. That’s what I’m doing here. Great structure as well. The fruit showed brightness and the palate never got too heavy. I love the spicy finish from Mourvedre, and the generous proportion delivers that in spades here.

I’m trying to cut down California mailers, and this one just brought me back in on one. (94 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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What are your thoughts on potential longevity of this wine, Anthony? I have a lone bottle tucked away somewhere.

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I think it could run a few more years. It reminded me a lot of a Tablas Creek blend, those tend to be ten year wines and the Syrah pumps up the acidic structure. I haven’t drank a ton of Central coast Grenache, but I don’t know that I would call that a great aging wine on it’s own, but the blending grapes give this one some legs.

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Cool. Thanks for your reply. I’ll put my bottle in the “drink after England” bin, which will force me to wait until 2014 to pop it.

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Brian, I hate to differ from Anthony’s opinion as I usually agree with his take, but I wouldn’t hold this wine that long. I have had it twice- once in '08 and once last year with the bottle in '08 being superior. While not as big or OTT oaky as the '06 I just think these Paso blends drink so much better young. I think your really rolling the dice holding this till 2014.

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Go with this. I’m going with impressions from very limited drinking, it sounds like Joe has a lot more experience with this producer.

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Hmmmm … o.k. Thanks for your input, Joe. Consider it moved back to the “pre-move” bin! I’d certainly rather enjoy it now, when it’s still kicking, than later when it’s dead. [cheers.gif]

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JUst had this and would drink within 2yrs or so.