Keplinger 2021 Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes

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. 225 cases were produced.

Critical Acclaim

98pts Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch comes from a warmer site on the west side of the valley and is a bigger, broad, still incredibly seamless wine that has classic red and black fruits supported by notes of scorched earth, leafy tobacco, and dark chocolate. With a beautiful mid-palate, ripe, velvety tannins, and just a layered, majestic style, it deserves 3-5 years in the cellar and will cruise over the following two decades.

96pts Vinous
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch is suave, elegant and quite polished, especially for a young wine off this site. Dark red-toned fruit, rose petal, spice, new leather and tobacco are all melded together. The 2021 offers lovely brightness but is also more approachable than the two Oakville Ranch Cabernets in this range. I imagine it will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a particularly understated, delicate wine for Vine Hill Ranch.

96pts Wine Spectator
This shows the textbook '21 profile -- vivid, with high-def flavors of cassis, crushed plum and boysenberry reduction forming the core, along with support from strident notes of graphite and apple wood. Tucked in on the tightly wound finish are extra licorice, violet and bramble accents. Very coiled up now; patience is required as this unfurls in the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2042

750ml