High Road 6 Year Vertical 6-Pack

Includes 1 bottle each of High Road, vintages 2018 through 2023

2018
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre. 2018 High Road is our 16th vintage crafted with grapes from James Berry Vineyard. Justin Smith of Saxum fame grew up on the property and took the reins from his parents Pebble and Teri several years ago. This is a stunning family owned and farmed vineyard in west Paso Robles’ esteemed Willow Creek District. This wine has texture, finesse, and approachability along with weight, complexity and the ability to cellar. Deep garnet in color, it offers amazing aromatics of black and red fruits, cured meats, west Paso lupine and spice. Its palate is sexy, rich and textural with just enough verve to have you salivating for more. While enjoyable now it will deliver in spades with a few years of patience in your cellar. Drink 2021-2035.

2019
50% Mourvèdre, 34% Syrah, 16% Grenache. It has been almost 10 years since Mourvèdre took front stage in High Road. Mourvèdre has no issues playing a supporting role, but every now and then, the stage is right for it to take the spotlight and shine.Showing a perfect balance of fruit and savory, this one jumps out of the glass with aromas of kirsch soaked black cherries, cocoa, sassafras and fresh asphalt. The palate is dark and sultry with notes of Santa Rosa plum, tobacco, sweet oak, and chicory. While cellaring is recommended, if you feel you must get your “baseline” for this wine, decant for several hours in your cellar before pairing with herbed lamb chops over an oven fire. Drink 2022- 2035

2020
50% Syrah, 36% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre. High Road is in its 19th vintage. From day one this wine has shown its place. The subtle changes over the years have been the winemaker’s interpretation of the vintage. A dark ruby color (like those slippers) grabs your attention to let you know you’re not in Kansas anymore. Vibrant red fruits, Moroccan spices and black licorice jump out of the glass. The palate is elegant, dark and juicy complicated with cassis, steeped cherries, violets and grilled lamb jus. Texturally intoxicating, it strikes a perfect balance of opulence and verve. Take a position on this one, so you have a few stashed for down the road. You will be glad you did! Drink 2023-2040

2021
40% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre. This is the 20th anniversary of this wine and out of the chute has the potential to be one of the best to date! Dark and brooding in color one might think this is not a friendly creature. As you approach, the aromatics are quite the contrary. Dark fruits, smoked meats and sweet oak quickly say “hello friend”. The palate is generous with a melange of plums, boysenberries, purple flowers, and spice. Texturally stunning, with finely integrated tannins and just the right amount of tension. While built for the long haul, it currently is open for business. This one won’t last long, so get while the gettin’s good! Drink 2023-2040

2022
40% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 22% Mourvèdre. James Berry fruit is unmistakeable. A combination of soil, vine age, and farming gives this special site both finesse and power. Whether in the wines of Cris Cherry, Justin Smith, or Mark Adams, that JBV influence is hard to miss.

This vintage is right on target! We are drawn in to the glass by a deep, oxblood color. Ethereal notes of black fruits, plum, north African spices, and damp earth transition to a knock out palate that is balanced and generous with a melange of blackberry, savory shortbread, tapenade, white pepper, and Za’atar. It is seamless and delicious out of the chute and will evolve to become a graceful beast, showing beautiful fruit and savory notes. Pair with beef cheek tagine and grilled oyster mushroom kebabs with Lovage puree. Drink 2024-2034

2023
37% Syrah, 32% Grenache, 31 % Mourvèdre. The nose is compelling, full of earth and violets, with flashes of black fruit passing through. As it opens up, Hungarian shortbread enters the room, all butter and bramble fruit. The first sip reveals its stem inclusion, with notes of white pepper and dark fruits. Rich and suave, it has an athletic build and a sense of humor. James Berry Vineyard knocks it out of the park again! Drink 2025–2040