This newest vintage from Keplinger marks the second year that winemaker/vintner, Helen Keplinger has been able to get fruit from the renowned Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard site in western Oakville. It comes from two special blocks at the Phillips’ Ranch. The mother block of the Eisele clone, the budwood for which was given by Bart Araujo to Bruce Phillips, is on a steep, east-facing slope. The second block is on a bench of rhyolitic deposits. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has vibrant aromas of black cherry, black licorice, cedar, bay leaf, plum, rose, and lavender. The palate has striking finesse, with a silky entry and velvety tannins lifting flavors of dark fruits, aromatic herbs and spice notes, which persist on the lengthy finish. Purity and elegance alongside power and intensity. Drinking exceptionally well now, the 2019 Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard also promises to age effortlessly. Most know of the Keplinger brand for their Rhone-style Reds, but she has been making Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1999 vintage, when she was the assistant winemaker at Paradigm Winery, and before becoming the winemaker for Kenzo Estate, Bryant Family Vineyard, Kerr Cellars, and Grace Family Vineyard. 225 cases were produced.