Tooth & Nail Wine Company founder Rob Murray knew that his success as a winemaker depended on his willingness to embrace these obstacles. He took on the challenge enthusiastically, putting down roots in Paso Robles, one of the most difficult regions to grow grapes. As he has said, " Rather than battle nature, we bottled it–fighting tooth and nail to create wines we could be proud of. Wines that embrace the elements in the pursuit of excellence. Wines for people who simply love wine."
The 2021 Tooth & Nail Wine Company "The Stand" Proprietary Red Blend is crafted from 85% petite sirah, 9% syrah, 5% mourvèdre, and 1% viognier aged for 13 months in a combination of 500 and 228-liter French oak barriques. It "opens with expansive aromas of violets, black plum, caramel, and smoked meat. The palate is broad and chewy, delivering punchy flavors of raspberry, black cherry, and blueberry with undercurrents of sage, cola, cocoa, and vanilla. Plump tannins cascade into a smooth, juicy finish. The native boldness of the petite sirah is rounded out perfectly by the Rhône varieties syrah, mourvèdre, and viognier, creating a seamless blend that keeps you coming back for more." (winemaker notes)
Check out the press!
93 points, Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 "The Stand"... "explodes with scents of cassis, blueberry, iron, vanilla, and turned earth. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, violet-laced fruit. It has a frame of powdery tannins, bursts of mouthwatering acidity, and a long finish with a pleasing touch of spice." (1/31/24)
91 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"This ripe, concentrated, yet balanced beauty has lots of darker, spiced black fruits, some leafy herbs, chocolate, and peppery notes, medium to full body, and a balanced, layered style that's a joy to drink. It would be one heck of a steak house red and is well made." (8/30/23)
ABV: 14.8%