Keplinger Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard 2022

Description

JD – 94+

2022 Keplinger Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Ranch Vineyard

In 2014, we began working with the gorgeous mountain fruit of 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. The soils are comprised of gorgeous Aiken and Hambright series red volcanics and the hills, swails, and aspects mean many little microclimates for layers and complexity. We coax fine texture from the tannin-building rocky soils, which also give a distinct note of minerality that is an unmistakable hallmark of this vineyard. Cool air spills and drains through this geomorphic bowl of vine rows daily, retaining acidity and freshness of flavors in the berries. Phil’s canopies are the perfect balance between health and stress, spread open at the top for ideal holy grail dappled light, giving greater nuance to the red fruit notes that are a signature of this sun-bathed ranch. Working with Phil and his dedicated team really feels like a true collaboration to make something special, which is essential when making world-class wines with a soul.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Ranch Vineyard is a beautiful wine with lifted aromatics of red cherry, red currant, cocoa powder, rose, wild thyme, and white tobacco. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with red fruit notes, aromatic herbs, cacao, pot pourri, and cigar wrapper underpinned by even, fine tannins and wonderful length. This wine shows a gradual opening in the glass and promises generous evolution with time. The 2022 ORV will drink well in the near term, and age well into the mid-term and beyond. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc.