Doug Powers

9.3

Chalky, mineral aromas and flavors up front, cooler blue fruits show next, this was probably always my favorite of the Syrah vineyards Joey used, as it usually was the lowest in ABV (13.6% here) and thus showed more freshness and acidity, drinking beautifully tonight!! — 2 days ago

Doug Powers

9.4

Black and blue fruit aromas and flavors, this seems much more youthful than the Tierra Alta, great balance, long, lingering finish, really fine, kudos to Joey!! — 4 months ago

with Jim

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

This a blend of 70% Cabernet, 32% Cab Franc & the rest Petit Verdot. Aged in 70% new oak & 30% used oak for 18 months. 94-95.

Nose of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & raspberries, blue & purple fruit hues. Some smoky notes, soft baking spices, well toasted bread, baking soda, elegant minerality & earth with bright, dark, red, blue flowers set in violets.

The palate shows, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, creamy raspberries, fine tannins that show a little meatiness & tarriness, dark spice with some heat as it lingers, baking spices-touch of nutmeg/clove, cinnamon, vanillin, finely, crushed, limestone & rocks, dry top soil, dry tobacco, slightly used leather, dark, rich earth, dry top soil, dry herbaceous notes, black licorice, mid berry cola,fresh & withering dark, red, blue in a field of violets, excellent acidity well balanced, softly tensioned, good length and wire to wire well polished finish.

Photos of; sitting area in the tasting room, Winemaker- Helen Keplinger, tasting room bookcase and bar. — 10 months ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.6

The 2022 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is such a unique wine. Bright floral aromatics and lively acids make a strong opening statement. Pomegranate, blood orange, raspberry jam, slate, crushed rocks and clean mineral notes all drive through this heady, explosive Syrah. This is a magical wine from Joey Tensley. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2024)
— 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2021 vintage. Red blend that is banging for the resto ($14) price. A definite woofer. Great large party bbq wine. 7.3.24. — 5 months ago

Aubrey Sabala

9.5

I strongly dislike Rosé and I LOVE this wine! — 10 months ago

FabianG

9.0

#wineaccess — a year ago

Juan Cerda

9.0

Like licking the wooden spoon when you’re making blackberry jam. 😋 — 3 months ago

Ted

9.2

Easy to be a fan of Keplinger. I only had the ‘18 and always wanted to try another vintage. Solid and delicious. Has chocolate/mocha on the nose. Well done. — 4 months ago

with Jeni

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.5

The 2022 Chardonnay Belle Côte emerges from vines planted by Helen Turley the early 1990s, the oldest vines on the property. It marries power and elegance in grand style. Deep mineral notes give the 2022 notable presence and intensity to pull it all together. This was the last fruit the estate picked, as is often the case. Belle Côte is another strong 2022 from Peter Michael. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2024)
— 5 months ago