Villa Creek Cellars, Farmhouse Red Paso Robles (2023)

Producer Description

Villa Creek, the vineyards: All great wine begins with a passionate farmer. The grapes of the area’s most progressive vineyards, James Berry, Denner, Bassetti, and Luna Matta currently grace the wines of Villa Creek Cellars. Per acre contracts insure that the fruit comes off the same blocks each vintage. The Cherry’s own 60 acre estate on the west side of Paso Robles boasts elevations of 1500-1800 feet, calcareous soils, south facing slopes and ample water. Grape growing conditions don’t get much better. In the Spring of 2012, the Cherry's finished planting their first grape vines, 3.5 acres of Grenache. They look forward to planting Mourvèdre and Carignan in the months to come. james berry (organically farmed) Pebble and Terry Smith were among the first to recognize the potential for Rhone varieties in Paso Robles. Together, with their son Justin, they have created what Robert Parker calls one of five grand cru vineyard sites in California. As a continual model for studies in progressive farming practices, the Smith family has worked to create a sustainable eco system that produces the finest grapes in the area. Limestone covered hills under which an ancient seabed floats, are the foundation for this amazing planting. The Villa Creek High Road blend is always comprised of this world class James Berry Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. denner (sustainably farmed) Ron and Marilyn Denner relocated to Paso Robles in the late 90’s to create another world class vineyard in our ever changing appellation. Located just across the road from James Berry, Denner Vineyard boasts of the same grape-loving soils as well as diversity of exposures and microclimates. The Denner’s commitment to sustainable farming practices insures healthy pesticide free fruit. The Denner Grenache is a staple of the Villa Creek Cellars portfolio. bassetti (sustainably farmed) Ellis and Susie Bassetti live and farm a small ranch 3 miles west of the Pacific Ocean that has been in the Bassetti family for nearly 100 years. The property is planted to flowers, herbs and trees that they utilize for their business, Green Valley Flower and Herb. In 1998 they ripped and cleared 7 acres to plant their first wine grapes. Under the guidance of John Alban, the Bassetti's planted several clones of Syrah. This cool and rocky site creates wines with a keen focus of minerality tempered by black fruits and spice. luna matta (certified organic) Luna Matta, located less than a mile from Villa Creek, is planted exclusively to Rhone and Italian varietals. Husband and wife team; John Ahner and Jody McKellar consulting with the late John Ferrington, planted the vineyard in 2001. The vineyard is the first on the Westside planted with the newest grape vine clones sourced from Italy. Luna Matta received CCOF organic certification in 2010. The vineyard is actively team managed by Stephanie Terrizzi, Francisco Madriz, John and Jody.