Denner Vineyards : The Ditch Digger 2012

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Ditch Digger 2012 from Denner Vineyards

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance reveals a deep and concentrated red color, almost black, testifying to the exceptional maturity of the grapes at harvest.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. Upon opening, aromas of ripe red fruit, notably raspberry, are accompanied by notes of espresso, sage, and lavender. Earthy mineral touches complete this initial bouquet. With aeration, the wine unveils aromas of cassis, spices, and subtle floral notes evoking rose.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a silky and transparent texture, with impressive concentration. Flavors of deep black fruit (blueberry, blackberry) mingle with notes of smoked herbs, cedar, and dark mocha. The lively acidity brings freshness and balance, while the tannins prove smooth and harmonious. The finish, remarkably long, is characterized by striking minerality and a persistence of red fruit flavors.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted lamb, particularly when prepared with garlic and rosemary. It also elegantly accompanies roasted meats, stews braised in wine, and preparations with Mediterranean herbs.

Service and storage

The Ditch Digger 2012 is ideally served at a temperature of 17-18°C. Aeration of one to two hours allows the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity. For lovers of fruity profiles, this wine was at its peak between 2013 and 2015. For those who prefer more evolved and earthy flavors, cellaring of four to fifteen years allows the wine to develop more complex secondary notes, until approximately 2027.

A rich and structured blend from Paso Robles by Denner Vineyards

The estate

Founded in 1997 by Ron Denner, former owner of Ditch Witch dealerships, Denner Vineyards spans 130 acres of vineyards distributed between the Willow Creek and Adelaida districts in Paso Robles, California. The estate built an ultramodern gravity-flow winery in 2005. Recognized for its Rhône and Bordeaux style blends, Denner has distinguished itself through its sustainable approach including dry farming and practices close to organic farming. In November 2022, E&J Gallo Winery acquired the estate, preserving the expertise of Anthony Yount as consulting winemaker and Mark Williams as head winemaker.

The vineyard

The Ditch Digger 2012 comes from Paso Robles vineyards located in the Willow Creek district. The plots rise to over one thousand feet in altitude, benefiting from varied exposures. The soils, composed of calcareous clay, play a crucial role in preserving the acidity of the grapes. The vineyard benefits from the influence of the Templeton Gap, a corridor allowing marine mist to travel inland, creating marked diurnal temperature variations. Cultivated via dry farming, the vineyard develops deep root systems favoring the expression of the terroir.

The vintage

The 2012 vintage in Paso Robles offered favorable growing conditions after two difficult years. This harvest produced remarkably powerful and textured California wines, with impressive color concentration and substantial tannic structure, characteristics that confer excellent aging potential to this vintage.

Winemaking and aging

The Ditch Digger 2012 is vinified according to a non-interventionist approach. A portion of the grapes is fermented as whole clusters, using naturally occurring native yeasts. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, combining new and used barrels to balance the influence of the wood with the fruit expression. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving the integrity of the terroir.

Grape varietals

Grenache (50%)
Syrah (20%)
Mourvèdre (15%)
Cinsault and Counoise (15%)