Denner Vineyards "Mother of Exiles" 2021
(Paso Robles, California) - [WE 95] [VM 95] [WA 95]

About the Winery:
Denner Vineyards is an estate on the far western border of the Paso Robles AVA. Founded by Ron Denner in 1999 after an exhaustive search throughout California. The 156-acre parcel presses up against the Santa Lucia Range, giving the site great diversity of elevation, aspect and soil. The estate is nestled into the Templeton Gap. Denner Vineyards currently uses 45 of the total 108 acres for their estate wine program. The remaining grapes are sold to ultra-premium producers in Paso Robles. Much of their fruit graces the wines of Villa Creek Cellars, Linne Calodo, and Justin Vineyards among others. Denner’s winemaking program is headed by Anthony Yount, a graduate of California Polytechnical University. He is amazingly talented and we are big fans of his wines.

About the Wine:

Vintage Notes: 2021 was an outstanding vintage in Paso Robles. A balanced and consistent vintage allowed for harvest later than normal. Ongoing drought conditions resulted in low yields with high concentration.

Varietal Composition: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Tannat

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of violet, graphite, humidor, and leather. On the palate, complex notes of blueberry, game, sandalwood, and dark chocolate, with elegant tannins and a persistent finish.

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast

"The Bordelaise bottlings excelled in this vintage for Denner, including this Cab-led blend, which also features 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Tannat. Intense aromas of blackberry, cocoa and dark flowers are impressively concentrated, as is the palate, where cassis and elderberry flavors meet with mint and pepper spices. Built to impress."

95 Points - Vinous Media

"The 2021 Mother Of Exiles is darkly floral with a bouquet of incense, pipe tobacco, sage and rum-soaked cherries. Youthfully dense and backward, it washes across the palate with an intense wave of tart red and black fruits, taking on a chewy sensation toward the close as a hint of bitter dark chocolate mounts. It finishes spicy and dramatically long, leaving a spicy sensation and firming tannins as a floral resonance lingers on."

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Mother of Exiles is a powerful blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Tannat. Its aromas are finely detailed, with blackcurrant and blueberry fruit complemented by tones of tobacco leaves, tar, graphite and violet. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, violet-laced fruit supported by grainy tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a very long, flavorful finish."