“Fulldraw is clearly one of the rising stars in the Paso Robles wine scene, and you could put these wines up with the crème de la crème.” - Jeb Dunnuck

Do you enjoy the rumble of an American V8 or the rush of a class IV whitewater ride? You’ll dig this. Not into those? Well, maybe you like the wine equivalent: heart-stopping, opulent reds with high scores and hefty discounts.

If the 97, 95, and double 94 points don’t pull you in for a closer look, maybe the price will. At 50% off, $45 was left on the cutting room floor. There’s no doubt, Fulldraw’s Chopping Block is easily one of the most thrilling reds to come across our table.

If names like L’Aventure, MFN, TH Estates, Epoch, Denner, or Clos Solene perk your ears up, then you probably already know Fulldraw. Or maybe you know Booker. That’s where Connor McMahon cut his teeth before staking his claim on a 100-acre site in the Templeton Gap. Now he, his wife, along with their two kids and a German Pointer, make a living there. While still a younger operation, they’ve made quite the impression on critics and connoisseurs alike.

Their first vintage was in 2016. But this might be the best one. “The 2021 vintage could go down as one of Paso’s best - certainly one of Fulldraw’s. The wines have power, finesse, and beautiful structure. They check all the boxes,” says winemaker/owner Connor McMahon.

Obviously, Jeb Dunnuck was quite a fan from the get-go: “Readers who like classic, full-bodied, impeccably made Paso Robles blends (count me in) need to check out the wines from Connor and Rebecca McMahon’s FullDraw Vineyard. Pulling all from their estate vineyard located just beside Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyard, on the westside of Paso Robles, the wines pack plenty of fruit and opulence, yet they’re beautifully balanced and always a joy to drink. This is another up-and-coming estate you need to have on their radar.”

This stuff has the goods. Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre each fermented separately but were drawn together into one ripe and complex expression. It comes PACKED with all kinds of inky, FRESH goodness. Red and black plum, blueberry pie, mission fig jam, savory rubbing spices, and vanilla Chantilly cream. Rich, opulent, and low acid, with blooming aromatics and a ripe, concentrated finish.

This is a rare, extraordinary opportunity. But we should make it VERY clear: there’s not much made, and less than usual. Do not expect a second chance. When a Fulldraw hits the site, it’s only a matter of time until the inventory drops.

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “The current releases for Fulldraw Vineyard appear to be the 2021s, clearly a stronger overall vintage compared to 2022. Coming from a hot, drought year, these are ripe, concentrated, structured wines that have beautiful purity and precision while staying true to their Paso roots, with brilliant concentration and depth. Fulldraw is clearly one of the rising stars in the Paso Robles wine scene, and you could put these wines up with the crème de la crème. A blend of 50% Syrah, 36% Mourvèdre, and 14% Grenache, the 2021 Chopping Block was aged 18 months in 60% new French oak and delivers a complex bouquet of ripe red and black plums, baking spices, pepper, cedar, and hints of game. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it’s rich and mouth-filling while staying impressively fresh and light on its feet. The tannins are ripe and nicely integrated, and this has the balance and structure to evolve gracefully. Drink 2025–2035.”

95 Points – Wine Advocate “The 2021 Chopping Block is a blend of 50% Syrah, 36% Mourvèdre, and 14% Grenache matured in 60% new French oak for 18 months. It takes several minutes in the glass to unfurl aromas of blueberry, violet, prosciutto, garrigue and coffee beans. The full-bodied palate has an expressive core of fruit with chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a long, floral finish. It will be long-lived in the cellar. Drink 2025-2040.”

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast “An alluring shade in the glass, this blend of 50% Syrah, 36% Mourvèdre and 14% Grenache pops on the nose with blueberry, dark chocolate and violet aromas that manage to remain dry rather than sweet. The palate is intense and ripe but retains a freshness, allowing boysenberry, blueberry, vanilla cream and toasted pecan flavors to shine.”

94 Points – Owen Bargreen “The 2021 Chopping Block’ combines mostly Syrah (50%) with 38% Mourvèdre and the remainder Grenache. Deeply colored in the glass, this shows off heady aromatics of creosote and smoked brisket alongside Turkish coffee and violets. The palate is nicely textured, with a great sense of weight and flavor density. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033.”