Herman Story 2023 Casual Encounters Red Blend, California

96 points                                                           
Casual Encounters is a blockbuster new red from new discovery Herman Story - get on the bandwagon now while it's still available. 

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Based on 45% Mourvèdre, 42% Syrah, and 13% Grenache and aged in 80% new French oak for 24 months, the Herman Story 2022 Casual Encounters is a beauty. Ripe red and black fruits, peppery garrigue, cedary spice, and herbes de Provence all emerge from this appealing effort. Round and medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has ripe, integrated tannins and a great finish. This will give many a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape a run for its money over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035."

Robert Parker: "...Pulling from a number of sites spread throughout the Central Coast, Herman Story’s Russell From makes unabashedly Californian wines that make the most of the beautiful fruit that makes California so special. These are not for those craving tiny, mid-weight efforts and they have rocking textures, tons of fruit and most importantly, always remain a joy to drink. These are gorgeous wines." 
                                              
Brix26 Inside Scoop: There are some fantastic small labels coming out of the Paso Robles wine country in California's Central Coast, and Herman Story winery is our latest "crush" (pun intended).  The style of wines are full-throttle, fruit forward bombastic style while keeping things balanced and delicious.  Like going right up to the point of over-the-top and stopping perfectly before it.  The 2012 Nuts & Bolts Syrah is a beautiful example of what small, hands-on winemakers like Herman Story are achieving with the varietal in Paso Robles.