6 reviews for Keplinger Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ 2019

1. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Margaret Patterson – November 12, 2022

   Wine & Wagyu 4. DJ was kind enough to bring a bottle to taste in advance of the spring release. Approachability falling right in the middle of 19 RBK & OVR. Classic VHRV fruit picked from 3A & 6A2. Helen’s Cabernets from 19 are some of my personal favorites of hers to date. A perfect balance of fruit, tannic structure and acids to go the distance. I’ll be looking to pull these starting around 2030 and drink over the next 20 plus. 80 Cases98+

2. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Devin Lurry – April 7, 2023

   A few days in Napa with fellow CT’r Cristal2000: I’ve ripped through a number of versions of VHR from most of those producing wine from this site and have found them to vary quite a bit depending much upon what I believe to be the winemaker’s select style. Of course, certain plots influence the overall effect of the ultimate manifestation of the wine produced, but it’s clear to me that there are notable differences between various producers’ interpretations of the fruit coming from VHR. In this case, the VHR is not surprisingly a more dialed back version, with tight, unripe cherry and plum skin notes marking a linear execution of flavor, but (as usual) a hyper clean and pure expression. Fantastic momentum and persistence, with just a hint of booze rising up on the finish, this wine is for the cellar. A decade from now, I’d be happy to pop the cork on this a see what’s doin’. Superb potential with this VHR.Just to note, if you’re used to more flamboyant and powerful versions of this site, Keplinger may be a bit of a left turn for you. Just fair warning for those who expect to be wooed by more deltoid-driven versions of VHR. This is more about class and chiseled focus than it is about meaty opulence.

3. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   John Rowland – April 14, 2023

   Opened the 2019 Keplinger VHR along with a 2013 Shafer HSS and a 2014 Pride Reserve Claret. All three wines showed great but the VHR was definitely the WOTN. Very understated and refined compared to other versions of VHR, Helen’s winemaking and interpretation of this fruit resulted in an incredibly well structured wine that should be epic in 5-10 years. This was my third tasting of this wine since July and it is rapidly evolving in such a short period of time to where it already is drinking well. If you have enough bottles to hedge by opening one early you won’t be disappointed.

4. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   WS – May 22, 2023

   A nice dark, winey style, with waves of crushed black currant, steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors inlaid with ample warm loam, sweet bay leaf and singed juniper. Everything knits well on the lengthy finish, while a violet echo lends a note of purity. Best from 2024 through 2040. 200 cases made.

5. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   JD – May 22, 2023

   The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard showed beautifully. All Cabernet from two blocks in this great vineyard, it has a deep purple hue to go with gorgeous black and blue fruits as well as tobacco, baking spices, incense, and lead pencil nuances. It’s full-bodied and has silky tannins, a gorgeous core of dark fruits, and a great finish.

6. 

   VIN – May 22, 2023

   The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch is fabulous. Rich and deep to the core, the 2019 is one of most sensual wines I have tasted off the ranch. Soft, plush contours and silky tannins wrap around a core of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, spice and lavender. Pretty floral top notes extend the finish effortlessly. What a gorgeous wine this is.