2010 Denner Ditch Digger
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Tasting notes
(40% grenache, 30% syrah, 20% mourvedre, 5% counoise and 5% cinsault): Inky ruby. Assertive aromas of black raspberry, licorice and candied flowers, with smoke and pipe tobacco nuances adding complexity. Sweet and lush but juicy, with intense berry preserve character and plush, seamless texture. Very densely packed but lively, with harmonious tannins adding shape to a sweet, clinging finish. I've little doubt that this wine will reward patience but there's plenty to like right now.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Another 2010 that is drinking brilliantly, the 2010 The Ditch Digger is a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise and 5% Cinsault that spent 16 months in 35% new 500-liter puncheons. Giving up deep plum, blackberry, mineral and earth, with additional floral qualities developing in the glass, this full-bodied, elegant blend has knockout purity of fruit, beautiful richness and no shortage of length on the finish. It will continue to dish out loads of pleasure over the coming 6-7 years or more. Drink now-2020. 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. Tel. (805) 239-4287; www.dennervineyards.com
The 2010 Ditch Digger is wonderfully alive and vibrant. The style is a bit less savory and aromatic than the 2011, but with more depth and power. Both wines are beautiful, yet also reflective of their respective vintages. The belnd in 2010 is 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Counoise.
Denner's 2010 Ditch Digger wraps around the palate with layers of dark fruit. Tobacco, grilled herbs, leather and licorice appear later, adding complexity and nuance. This is a powerful, structured wine that needs at least another year in bottle. Ditch Digger is 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise and 5% Cinsault (vinified with 35% whole clusters) that spent 16 months in 500 liter French oak barrels, 35% new.