Vermillion Red Blend 2018 | Cult Winemaking Brilliance
The Vermillion Red Blend 2018 pours a vibrant ruby in the glass. The spicy nose is dominated by the wild strawberry, followed by a mix of black tea and red cherry and pomegranate.
Secondary notes of savory herbs and exotic spice cut through the vibrant fruit, and bring with them hints of smoky minerality. This bottle is perfect for those who gravitate to plush and juicy reds with a meaty texture and layers of spice. Enjoy now–2027.
Stretching from Sonoma County to the Sierra Foothills, the range of Keplinger’s source vineyards is like a wide-angle snapshot of Northern California viticulture. She has an unerring instinct for terroir. In addition, able to locate a vineyard’s “voice,” as she calls it. Aand exercise patience and meticulous care in expressing it with perfect clarity. To wit: this spectacular 2018 bottle.
Keplinger and Vermillion
A winemaker cannot live by Cabernet alone. Though Winemaker Helen Keplinger absolutely could spend her entire career on that variety alone if that was her desire. So, just look at this Napa Valley superstar’s stewardship of Grace Family Vineyards (California’s original cult Cabernet winery) along with past success at Bryant Family and Kenzo Estate.
Grace Family founder Dick Grace once said that Winemaker Helen Keplinger “is extremely talented. In addition, Helen brings a new perspective that will steer the winery into the future. He was, of course, talking about his own property. As Spectator sees it, “one of the most exciting and innovative wineries to emerge in California” is helmed by a masterful winemaker whose passion and talent extends into Grenache, as well.
Helen Keplinger | Winemaker of the Year’s Red Steal
In 2012, Keplinger was honored as Food & Wine Magazine’s “Winemaker of the Year” and just two years later, she landed on the cover of Wine Spectator. But the great press wasn’t just for her mastery of Bordeaux varieties; instead, the critical spotlight shined equally on Grenache and the other Rhône-centric wines she produces under her eponymous label, Keplinger Wines.
The culture of wine has been a part of my life since I can remember. My dad had a wine cellar, which was the source of my childhood wine bottle collection. In addition, I also collected rocks, an early indication of my future as a winegrower.
The wine accompanied every gourmet dinner my mom prepared nightly. Hence, this combination of food and wine was an important part of our family evenings together.
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I always had an intense curiosity for science plus a huge appreciation of art. Furthermore, gravitation toward and revitalization in nature – all of which dynamically come together in winemaking.
I absolutely love what I do. As a result, I constantly strive to make great wines. Responding to the curveballs of Mother Nature, and respecting that each wine is a reflection of its origin. Therefore, the Vermillion Red Blend 2018 embraces the variables and characteristics of a particular vintage.
