Keplinger Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard 2017

90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Helen Keplinger is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative winemakers in California. Prior to starting her eponymous wine label, she was the winemaker at Napa’s esteemed Cabernet house, Bryant Family Vineyard. Following Bryant Family Vineyard, Helen spent three years in the Priorat region of Spain where she became passionate about the culture, the lifestyle, and the wines of that region as well as the Rhone, where she would travel in her free time. This Cabernet Sauvignon, a switch up from the Rhone-style wines, is from 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. 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. It has a super silky entry with loads of fine espresso tannins and texture for minutes. Helen is certainly making a name for herself in the valley and it’s easy to see why.