Keplinger 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon ORV Napa Valley – 99 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points: “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (ORV)  Oakville Ranch Vineyard, which includes 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, is another incredible wine from this winemaker. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as a killer bouquet of cassis, currants, lead pencil, graphite, and violets, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, sumptuous, layered mouthfeel that carries lots of velvety tannins as well as remarkable freshness. It’s certainly a large-scaled, voluptuous 2018, yet it still has that vintage’s laser-like focus as well as structure. It benefits from a decant if drinking any time today, but it’s going to drink nicely for 20 years or more.”

Helen Keplinger Notes: “In 2014, we began working with the gorgeous mountain fruit of Oakville Ranch Vineyard, which sits high up on the Vaca range above Dalla Valle, tucked just below the southern edge of Pritchard Hill. Farmed organically with great heart and attention to every leaf and bug by the brilliant Phil Coturri. The soils are comprised of gorgeous Aiken and Hambright series red volcanic and the hills, Swails, and aspects mean many little microclimates for layers and complexity. We coax fine texture from the tannin-building rocky soils, which also give a distinct note of minerality that is an unmistakable hallmark of this vineyard. Cool air spills and drains through this geomorphic bowl of vine rows daily, retaining the acidity and freshness of flavors in the berries. Phil’s canopies are the perfect balance between health and stress, spread open at the top for ideal holy grail dappled light, giving greater nuance to the red fruit notes that are a signature of this sun-bathed ranch. Working with Phil and his dedicated team really feels like a true collaboration to make something special, which is essential when making world-class wines with a soul. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. This is a massive and dense wine, inky in color with cassis, lavender, hints of mint, espresso, and black peppercorn. It exhibits a beautiful dark nose of red, purple, and black fruits with savory spice accents and pretty floral notes – sweet peas and flowering thyme. It has a super silky entry with loads of fine espresso tannins and texture for minutes. Just a baby at this stage, it will need another 6 months of bottle age before it’s truly ready. 290 cases proud”