Vermillion Wine (helen Keplinger)
Kerr Cellars
Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot Blend 2017
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. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Becsktoffer Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
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.
All the reds I had were feminine in style. If you like bold, meaty wines, these might not be for you. This only 92+ due to its vegetal characteristic on the nose and palate.
The nose reveals fruits are beautiful & floral; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, poached strawberries, dark cherries and blueberries hues. Soft baking spices, dark spices, mixed berry cola, delicate minerality, sweet, dark, rich soils, whiff of pepper, sadly some hues of green pepper & florals that are dark, red, blue set in violets.
The palate soft and elegant on entry. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum, strawberries & blueberry hues. Dark palate piercing spices with heat as it lingers, very soft baking spices-cinnamon, clove & vanillin, light, fresh tobacco, soft leathery tones, most clay, mid palate a good presence of pyrazine-vegetal/green pepper (fruit not quite ripe which is surprising from this vineyard), excellent bright florals, good acidity and a well knitted, balanced, elegant finish.
Photos of, sitting lounge in the tasting room, Winemaker Helen Keplinger, tasting room wall and tasting bar. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Reserve Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2019
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.
As some of you know, I am not the biggest champion of California Chardonnay. There are some exceptions and this is one of them.
This is a beautiful expression of how good they can be w/o too much new oak. This is also one not to be served over chilled. I’d say around 60 degrees.
The Reserve has amazing viscosity and mouthfeel. It is slightly honeyed, vanillin, soft caramel notes, slivered almonds, lemon custard, white stone fruits, green apple, tropical melons, understated white citrus, pineapple hues, just a touch of herbaceousness, gentle minerality, yellow lilies & flowers, very round acidity, it is lush, elegant as it can get, beautifully balanced with a smooth and smartly polished finish that last nearly two-minutes.
Photos of; Christy and Helen, their tasting room which is just past and kiddy corner of the entrance to restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa. — 2 years ago
Keplinger
Oakville Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Tasted at the winery with DJ Keplinger on 1/14/25. It was the second day they moved their tastings from their tasting room on Franklin to Arrow & Branch. Hellen made two or three of their past vintages and still have a relationship.
I think the day before I was headed there @Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7 sent me a bunch of scores Jeb had given a 💯 and or 98/99’s. This one Jeb had given a 💯 and many other Keplinger wines 98+.
I really like Hellen’s craft here and at; Kerr, Carte Blanche and Bryant when she was crafting those wines. But I am hesitant to give any wine a perfect score. I have found only 4 in tasting an estimated 25k plus wines over my wine life. Many of those I wrote detailed notes.
While this 23 really grabbed my attention at first sip, hard to say it merits a 💯. Will it add a point or two when it has had the right bottle evolution? Sure. It is just not there today. There 23 wines have not even received their labels. This one because of the embossed front is applied by hand. They will start shipping this one and the RBK in March.
It fruits are glorious from mid-dark reds & blueberries. The mouthfeel excellent as is the tannin structure. Helen is very adept at creating wine you can drink young and will improve over 20 yrs. It showed soft earthiness, spice, layered baking spices, fresh, soft tobacco/leather. Dark flowers to violets, grand acidity and a very refined, elegant long finish that lasts nearly two-minutes.
Also tasted:
- 23 RBK named after her father or grandfather. I can’t remember. It was as well excellent, 96-98.
- 22 Oakville Ranch that was very good as well, 95-96.
Both of these did not show their true self’s until I went back to them at the end of my tasting. They absolutely blossomed with time in the glass.
I forgot to take photos so I went to the web. Photos of Arrow & Branch & Helen & DJ Keplinger.
Enjoyed my nearly two hours with DJ. Salt of the earth kind of gentleman. — 5 months ago
Kerr Cellars
Mast Ranch Vineayard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
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.
The is 96+.
The nose shows really pretty, bright, floral, fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries & baked strawberries. Pretty, soft baking spices, baking soda, vanillin, dark chocolate, caramel, dark, forest floor with leaves, smokiness, expresso roast, sandalwood, dark, red, blue florals framed in violets.
The palate is light & fresh and juicy fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, plum, some strawberries and dark cherries. The tannins are beautiful, soft & supple, finely crushed rocks & limestone, dry river stone, dry herbs, dry twig, dry top soil, dark spice, mid intensity baking spices, vanilla, dry tobacco, soft leather, touch of lead pencil, fresh, bright, dark, red blue florals with violets, rainfall acidity, elegant, well balanced, beautifully knitted, great length and smartly polished, wire to wire long finish.
Photos of; sitting area in the tasting room, Winemaker- Helen Keplinger, tasting room bookcase and bar. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2019
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 is a 92+. Tasted pop & pour. I would also like to try this again in 4-5 more years. Think it would show some improvement.
The nose on the Sonoma was darker more brooding. Yet, still shows femininity. Blackberries, black raspberries, poached strawberries, cherries, plum, dry cranberries and hovering blueberry hues, delicate baking spices, some dark spice, and bright red, dark, blue florals set in violets.
The Sonoma was a bit lean on the palate…very light on its feet and elegant. Nicely, ripe; blackberries, poached strawberries, dry cranberries, pomegranate notes, some plum & blueberries. Soft baking spices-(light clove, cinnamon, touch of nutmeg) with a edge, lightly grilled meats, soft dark spice, some light, fresh tobacco, sandalwood, excellent acidity with a beautiful, elegant, rounded finish that lasts just under a minute.
Photos of; sitting area in their tasting room, Christy Kerr, branding sign outside kiddy corner of restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa and their tasting bar. — 2 years ago
Bond
Quella Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Inspire Napa Valley Sat. afternoon tasting with Antonio Galloni. Panel includes:
Brad Grimes - winemaker Abreu
Helen Keplinger- Keplinger wine
Mary Maher - Silverado farming
Francois Peschon -accendo, vine hill ranch
Jason Smith- MS
WINES
2018 BV George de Latour
2019 Stags Leap SLV
2018 DVO Napa Valley Red
2017 Bond Quella
2019 Lingua Franca estate chardonnay
2019 Domaine de Bichery brut champagne
Each panel member picked a wine that had an impact on them. — 3 years ago
Keplinger
Basilisk Russian River Grenache 2014
Integrating, still so much fruit on first open. Treat yourself during these crazy covid times and unwind with this gorgeous effort from Helen as you unwind over the evening and the next day with this bottle. Could cellar for another 5 but tempting over the next few years. — 6 years ago
Nicholas Allen Wines
Carte Blanche Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Happy New Year! 🍷
This was Missouri Hopper before they put it on the label.
Missouri is a vineyard that is an earthy mineral buffet. This bottle is as well a dry herb assortment. Excellent dark, ripe fruits.
While the 16 is very good, the 18 is a forget about bottle that will continue to improve for many years.
I follow Winemaker’s and this one is Helen Keplinger! Enough said.
97-98 in another 5-8 years. — 6 months ago
Grace Family Vineyards
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
2021 vintage. From the original 2 acre parcel. Intoxicating, very concentrated, with layers of black fruits, and subtle spices, embedded in a silky tannic structure. It is also very elegant and fresh, everything falls into place. Extraordinary finish. Kudos to winemaker Helen Keplinger. — a year ago
Kerr Cellars
Wappo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
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 is 94-95.
The nose shows floral & candied fruit of; blueberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries & baked strawberries. Expresso, some grilled meats, touch of black pepper, sweet, dark spice, black licorice, crushed rocks, bark, turned earth, dry top soil, dry twig, hints of eucalyptus, fresh & withering, dark, red, blue florals with lavenders & violets.
Palate fruits are a bit on the dryer side. Blackberries, black raspberries, plum, deep strawberries, dark cherries & creamy raspberries. Beautiful, dark spice, mid intensity baking spices-touch of clove & nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, beautifully, soft earth & minerality, rich, dark soils, black licorice, dark cola, soft leather & tobacco, hints of lead pencil shavings, some dry herbaceous notes as it lingers, mixed bright florals for days, excellent acidity, well structured & balanced, nicely tensioned, good length and smartly polished finish that lasts two-minutes.
Photos of; sitting area of the tasting room, Cristy Kerr, outside branding sign kiddy corner of Restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa and tasting bar. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Red Hen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
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.
They shared with me a story about a vineyard name fight. I don’t completely recall it. Divided attention tasting and writing. However, he drew parallels to Stag’s Leap apostrophe story.
All the reds I had were feminine in style. If you like bold, meaty wines, these might not be for you. 94-95.
Beautiful elegant nose. Yet, broods just a touch. Candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, plum, cherries and purple hues, softly layered baking spices, understated dark spice and bright florals that are blue, dark & red framed in violets.
The palate shows candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, poached strawberries, black raspberries & cherries. A couple of their reds threw me a bit of a deductive curve but kept coming up baking soda notes. Soft, powdery, delicate volcanic minerals, dry top soils, soft, dark spice with some gentle heat as it sets, not over the top baking spices, black licorice, dry tobacco, soft leather, soft barrel notes, fresh, dark, red, blue flowers, excellent acidity, smooth as silk, elegant, well balanced, well polished finish that lasts 90 seconds.
Photos of; tasting sitting lounge, Christy Kerr, the branding sign out front and kiddy corner of restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa and tasting bar. — 2 years ago
Keplinger
Fuego y Mar Sonoma Coast Syrah
I have loved every wine made by Helen! This is no exception. Excellent balance. — 6 years ago
Keplinger
Keplinger Lithic GSM 2017
Ahhh, thanks Helen! — 7 years ago
Keplinger
Mars Moon Mountain Red Blend 2013
I tried this right out of the bottle and was a little worried - super tight and one dimensional - but after two hours open it was singing and I was smiling. The nose has a more savory profile but the palate is full of bright red fruits with crushed gravel on the finish. Super smooth - the fruit and spice from the Grenache keeps the gaminess/savory flavors of the Syrah in check while the Mourvèdre adds richness. Helen Keplinger is a genius when it comes to these new world “old world blends” - I have yet to have one from her that hasn’t been fantastic. — 9 years ago
Nice notes, thanks.
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Helen Keplinger makes Kerr. Helen in my mind,!is the best female winemaker since Cathy Corison.
Silver Eagle is one of my Pinot Vineyards in Napa/Sonoma.
Ripe, lush; coral & somewhat candied blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, plum, strawberries & blueberry heaven. Dark spice w/ , grilled meats, great dark, red & blue coral, balance for days. — 2 months ago