2012 Herman Story Smash City Pinot Noir

About 2012 Herman Story Smash City Pinot Noir:

What 6 foot tires, 1,200 horsepower and a gallon a second are to a Prius, Smash City is to Pinot Noir. There is no talk of micro-climates, battonage or rootstock when this beast hits the glass. It’s just pure, unadulterated pleasure. Smash City will get you smiling faster than a county fair corn dog when you’re on a diet. And don’t worry, it can’t become a habit because there’ll never be too much to go around.

Tasting Notes:

Mouth-watering aromas of strawberry fruit leather, blueberry compote, cherry pie filling, red vines, and gum drops, this beverage is a true sensory delight. The scents of bramble, cola, spice, sweet hookah smoke, and hints of herbs, along with the slight heat of the alcohol, make for a truly unique and unforgettable experience. On the palate, this beverage is fleshy, voluptuous, and supple, with high mid-palate density and the warmth of the abv. The acid is moderate, just enough to keep the beverage from being flat, while the tannins are ripe, sweet, and medium-minus. The flavors of cherry and blueberry pie filling, strawberry fruit leather, red vines, gum drop, spice, cola, bramble, herbs, and hookah smoke coat the palate, creating a symphony of flavors that is sure to please. The finish of this beverage is long-lasting, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the palate.

Barrel Selection:

45% new French Oak

Growing Notes:

The valley’s east-west (as opposed to the usual north-south) layout creates ideal conditions for cool-climate wine creation, allowing moderating Pacific breezes to penetrate vineyards, keeping temperatures in check. The overall climate of Santa Barbara is mild and Mediterranean.

Winemaking Notes:

Small batch production.

About The Winery:

Proprietor and winemaker Russell P. From began Herman Story Wines in 2001 with 7 barrels stashed in his employer’s cellar. What started as a modest homage to his rancher grandfather has become a beacon to those seeking opulent, structured Syrah and Grenache. To maintain balance while giving flavor full stage, Russell works with 30 top-tier vineyards in over 7 distinct growing regions between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. These are no nonsense, balls to the walls wines that are not for the faint of heart or the pinky raising set.

Herman Story Wines makes a collection of unabashedly unctuous, full-bodied wines that exude marvelous poise. The creative genius behind these wines is none other than Russell P. From, a man who grew up visiting his grandfather’s farm in eastern Missouri, where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. After studying agricultural business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Russell caught the wine bug early on, interning at Lockwood Vineyards in his Freshman year of college.

Since then, he has worked over 25 harvests and has never looked back. In 2001, Russell founded Herman Story, a winery that has received great critical acclaim since its inception in 2002. The style of winemaking is bold, unbridled, and full-throttle, resulting in wines that are hedonistic and unforgettable. Russell releases his wines twice a year, and each bottle is a testament to his passion for winemaking and his deep connection to the land.