Description
| Category | Red Blend |
| Varietals |
|
| Brand | Denner Vineyards |
| Origin | California, Central Coast, Paso Robles |
| Alcohol/vol | 14.2% |
Powerful aromas of violets, blueberries, sarsaparilla, Kalamata olive and wild mint exude from the glass. The midpalate is dripping with blackberry, hoisin, white pepper, Spanish chorizo and dark chocolate notes that evolve into a rich mouthfeel and stunningly long finish.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd98
A more Syrah-dominated release, the 2021 Dirt Worshipper is textbook Syrah magic with is peppery, gamey dark fruits, iron, tapenade, sandalwood, and violet-laced aromas and flavors. It’s rich, medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. Based on 88% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Graciano, and 1% Viognier that was fermented with 40% whole clusters and aged 20 months in 25% new French and Hungarian oak, it will probably merit a triple-digit rating in 4-5 years, and I’d be happy to put this up with the best Syrahs out there.
August 15, 2024
James Suckling
- js97
Potent and peppery, this blend of syrah from distinct vineyards in the central coast of California is haunting, earthy, smoky and mysterious. It offers grilled meat, black pepper, green peppercorn, espresso and star anise components that are fascinating and complex. 30% new oak is enhanced by a portion of Kadar Hungarian oak barrels. With 7% petit verdot, 4% graciano and 1% viognier. Best from 2028.
Jim Gordon, May 14, 2024
Vinous
- v96
The 2021 Dirt Worshipper is impossible to ignore, blending incense with dried roses, white pepper and exotic spice. This impresses with its elegance and grace, washing across the palate with silken textures and ripe red and black fruits as a wave of juicy acidity adds lift. Violet inner florals resonate throughout. It tapers off spicy and incredibly long, embraced by a coating of fine-grained tannins that tug at the senses as a resonance of clove lingers on. Simply spellbinding, this is unmistakably New World fruit, yet with an Old Word soul.
Eric Guido, June 2024
Wine Advocate
- wa94
The 2021 Dirt Worshipper is a co-fermented blend of 88% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Graciano and 1% Viognier. It comes from several California vineyards, including Duvarita, Bien Nacido, Slide Hill and Denner estate fruit. It has pretty aromas of cassis, cracked pepper, spearmint, violet and tar. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, mineral-driven fruit, a frame of powerful, rounded tannins and seamless freshness and a long, perfumed finish.
Erin Brooks, December 29, 2023
Wine Enthusiast
- we93
Intense aromas of blueberry, charcoal and violet entertain the nose on this Syrah-based bottling that includes small bits of Petit Verdot, Graciano and Viognier. Blue and black fruit flavors are cleanly presented on the palate, with hints of lilac and a caramel finish completing the picture.
Matt Kettmann, September 1, 2024
Wine Spectator
- ws91
Dense and brambly, offering brooding flavors of currant, herbes de Provence and savory spices that build tension and tannins on the finish. Syrah, Petit Verdot, Graciano and Viognier. Best from 2025 through 2031. 1,980 cases made.
Tim Fish, July 1, 2024
