We have been awaiting the 2021 VHR on the edge of our seats. We knew winemaker Francoise Peschon would work magic with this classic vintage, and she did not disappoint. Smelling this wine is like recalling the memory of an old friend—nostalgic and enchanting. The balance of spice, violet, dark plum skin, and hints of vanilla harkens of classic Napa; it simply feels good to put your nose in this glass. The tongue is wrapped in velvet as notes of cassis, licorice, and cinnamon slowly move through different parts of the palate toward what seems like a never-ending finish. This is one for the ages.

Led by winemaker Francoise Peschon and vineyard manager Mike Wolf, VHR is crafted from a selection of seven blocks within the 70-acre vineyard on Bruce and Heather Phillips' western Oakville property. Vine Hill Ranch began in 1959 when Bruce’s father, Bob Phillips, started farming grapes. Most of the fruit is still sold to long-standing winery clients and newer ones fortunate enough to source from this premier vineyard. Since 2008, the Phillips family has reserved some fruit to produce their own estate Cabernet. Each year, the VHR Cabernet Sauvignon is created to showcase the vineyard's diverse characteristics through a wine of complexity, depth, and unique expression.