Denner Theresa 2015

IntoWine, by Loren Sonkin: 94 Points (Grade A)
"One of my favorite white Rhones from California. Served a bit too cold, this needed to warm up a bit. Then it was great. Green/gold in color. The nose is lemony with a slight waxy note once warmer. Also a nice mineral streak. On the palate, this is crisp and bright. Lots of energy. Lemons with that mineral streak. Long finish. Worked well with food. Its hard to guess on the ageing trajectory of these wines, but it seems very young now and enjoyable. I will hold at least one to age a bit and see."

The Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck, Issue #220: 92 Points
"I always love the white from this estate and the 2014 Theresa Denner Vineyard doesn't disappoint. Made from 40% Roussanne, 20% Picpoul, 15% Marsanne, 15% Grenache Blanc and the rest Viognier (that's about all the white varieties out there), it gives up tons of white peach, citrus blossom, white flowers and mineral water notes to go with a juicy, medium-bodied, crisp style on the palate. It should gain a touch more flesh with 6-12 months in bottle and drink nicely for several years."

"As always, these latest releases from Anthony Yount are impeccably made and show classic Paso Robles flair. Yount called 2014 a spectacular vintage, saying the wines are more muscular than the 2013s. I was able to taste through multiple barrels of the '14s - all of which were impressive - but I’ll hold off until next year to cover those more in depth. The 2013s are no slouches and certainly on par with the 2012s."

Josh Raynolds, Vinous: 92 Points
Denner Vineyards, ''Theresa'' (Paso Robles), 2015
“Pale gold. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe citrus and pit fruits, complemented by suggestions of anise, dusty minerals and pungent flowers. Intense Meyer lemon and nectarine flavors are given spine and cut by juicy acidity and pick up a hint of smokiness with air. Smoothly blends power and finesse and closes very long and juicy, displaying an echoing floral note and a touch of bitter peach pit.”

Winemakers comments:
The 2015 Theresa boasts an energetic nose of lemon curd, white flowers, baguette and stone fruit. Its palate offers gorgeous notes of lychee, toasted nuts, conifer and a hint of pineapple, while the rich mouthfeel is focused by its vibrant acidity, providing a nearly endless palate.
Whole cluster pressed to barrels and tanks for feral ferment. Malolactic fermentation complete. Aged for 15 months. 75% in neutral oak puncheons, 20% in concrete tanks and 5% in amphorae.

Apellation: Paso Robles
Vineyard(s): 100% Estate – Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
Grape Varietie(s) + %:
30% Roussanne, 25% Marsanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, 15% Picpoul, 10% Vermentino
Barrique? (Y/N): Yes, 75% des Weins für 15 Monate in neutralen französischen Fässern, 20% in Zementtanks und 5% in einer Amphora

Vintage notes:
The 2015 vintage created wines with the perfect combination of power and grace.  Miniscule rainfall in the winter and a warm early summer resulted in much smaller berries than usual, providing for an incredible amount of concentration in the cellar.  We were also blessed with a late summer storm (a record breaking 3 inches overnight), that provided just the right amount of drought relief at the perfect time to keep the wines from becoming too ripe and powerful. 

Your favourite recipe for this wine:    
Shrimp & Grits