Turtle Rock Plum Orchard Paso Robles 2021

95 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Plum Orchard is composed of 74% Grenache and 26% Mataro grown on decomposed sandstone. It was vinified with stems and matured for 22 months in 50% new French oak. "We do more stem inclusion versus whole cluster," proprietor and winemaker Don Burns explains. "I destem everything, look for rot, see inside the clusters and hand pick my stems. Then I layer stems, whole berries, stems, whole berries." The nose is bursting with pure raspberry, pomegranate and blood orange perfume, plus nuances of charcuterie, autumn leaves and Angostura bitters. The medium-bodied palate is weightless, yet it's packed with complex layers of berry, spice and earth. It is reminiscent, to me, of the style of Château Rayas. It has a lacy frame of tannins, a focused spine of acidity and an elegant, layered finish. 273 cases were made. Drink: 2025-2035. (Dec 2023)"

94 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Pale ruby-purple in color, the 2021 Plum Orchard (74% Grenache and 26% Mataro) leaps with gorgeous scents of rose oil, kirsch, and raspberry coulis plus wafts of dried herbs and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is tangy and soft textured, with plenty of red berry flavors and a floral lift on the finish. (4/4/24)"

Producer notes: "As you put your nose to the glass, vibrant fruit and elegant florals invite you in for the first taste. Cranberries and wild forest berries dominate the palate, accented by subtle white pepper, red currants, and raspberries. Lively acidity and fine tannins bring beautiful balance and texture that finish with mouthwatering juiciness. Plum Orchard is the lightest and freshest wine of this release, as it showcases the character of the decomposed sandstone soils of its terroir. 273 cases produced. Drink now through 2032."