Keplinger‘Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Helen Keplinger has been able to get fruit from the renowned Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard site in western Oakville since the 2018 harvest season. It comes from two special blocks at the Phillips’ Ranch. The mother block of the Eisele clone, the budwood for which was given by Bart Araujo to Bruce Phillips, is on a steep, east-facing slope. The second block is on a bench of rhyolitic deposits. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 showcases a complex nose and a seamless palate of dark fruit, spices, and floral notes. Opulent yet balanced, with fine tannins and a long finish, it shines now and will age beautifully.

Most know of the Keplinger brand for their Rhone-style Reds, but she has been making Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1999 vintage, when she was the assistant winemaker at Paradigm Winery, and before becoming the winemaker for Kenzo Estate, Bryant Family Vineyard, Kerr Cellars, and Grace Family Vineyard. 225 cases were produced.