2011 Herman Story One Hit Wonder

Herman Story Wines are made by Russell P. From, who calls himself “proprietor, winemaker and waste water specialist at Herman Story Wines.” From named his venture after his grandfather, and From is a one-man enterprise. From was a student at a nearby university when he started working in restaurants with good wine lists. He was soon enthralled with wines and the idea of winemaking and by the early 2000s was making his own wines. Based in Paso Robles, he sources grapes from up and down the California Coast, focusing on Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre and Rhone-style red and white blends. From likes one-of-a-kind labels and iconic wines names, somewhat in the style of his Central Coast neighbor, Manfred Krankl. From’s 2013 On the Road Grenache features a yellow highway dividing line on asphalt on the label. His 2013 white blend called Tomboy shows the ripped back pocket of a pair of jeans. With very limited production, Herman Story Wines are available generally only through the mailing list. Reviewers have been impressed. “A serious Central Coast producer, the Herman Story Winery builds up its strength and credibility with each new vintage,” according to Robert M. Parker Jr. .”Kudos to winemaker Russell From…”

Edna Valley AVA is within San Luis Obispo County, and within the large Central Coast AVA. Edna Valley became an AVA in 1982 and it includes 22,400 acres of extremely fertile land blessed with a long growing season. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the principal grapes, though Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Albarino, Grenache, Viognier, Merlot and Petite Sirah also are grown. Spanish missionaries were growing grape vines in the Edna Valley in the 18th century, but the valley’s modern wine industry took off in the 1970s. Today there are more than 50 Edna Valley wineries.