In one of our last tasting group meetings we blind tasted Domestic Rhone Varietal and Rhone Blends. The lineup included:
- Booker “Fracture” Syrah (95+WA/96-100 Jeb Dunnuck)
- Hudson Syrah (97+WA)
- DuMOL Eddie’s Patch Syrah (97 Vinous/96+ Jeb Dunnuck)
- Turley Petite Sirah “Rattlesnake” (95+WA)
- Halcón “Elevación” (95+WA)
- Kongsgaard Syrah (96-99 Vinous/96-98 WA)
- Plumpjack Syrah (96 WA/95 Jeb Dunnuck)
- Carlisle “Papa’s Block” (95 WA/96 Vinous)
- Keplinger “Sumo” (94+ WA)
- Keplinger “Lithic” (94 WA)
The WINNER Was Keplinger “SUMO”, followed by DUMOL “Eddie’s Patch” Halcon “Elevación” and Keplinger “LITHIC” – Our tasting group of 15 tasters voted as follows:
Keplinger Sumo 8 first, 3 second and 3 third place votes
Dumol “Eddie’s Patch” 2 first, 5 second, 2 third place votes
Halcon “Elevación” 2 first, 3 second, 2 third place votes
Keplinger Lithic 2 first, 2 second, 2 third place votes
Keplinger 2016 “Sumo”
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 76.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code SHIPFREE6 during checkout
Parker: “The 2016 Sumo is blended of 93% Petite Sirah and 7% Viognier, aged 16 months in 66% new French oak. It is very deep purple-black in color and a little closed, revealing notes of crushed raspberries, black cherries and warm plums plus hints of wild blueberries, spice box and roses. The palate is full-bodied with a firm frame of very ripe, plush tannins and oodles of freshness lifting the red and black berry flavors to a long perfumed finish. 295 cases produced.”
Winemaker: “The aromatics are incredibly vibrant, with layers of candied red fruit, lavender, gunmetal, garrigue, French violet candy, blackberry, and dried thyme. Broad, plush tannins frame the palate; savory notes laced with brambly blue and red fruit, dried herbs and heady floral notes carry the finish. 280 cases produced.”
Keplinger 2016 “Lithic”
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 76.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code SHIPFREE6 during checkout
Parker: “The 2016 Lithic is a blend of 41% Grenache, 32% Mourvedre and 27% Syrah aged 16 months in 30% new French oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it delivers compelling lilacs, kirsch and redcurrant jelly notes with red licorice and hints of anise, cinnamon stick, tar and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, firm and with wonderful freshness, it has a fine-grained texture and very long, spicy finish. 280 cases produced.”
Winemaker: “The 16 Lithic has a complex, thrilling evolution. The aromatics are incredibly vibrant, with layers of candied red fruit, lavender, gunmetal, garrigue, French violet candy, blackberry & dried thyme. Broad, plush tannins frame the palate; savory notes laced with brambly blue & red fruit, dried herbs & heady floral notes carry the finish. 280 cases produced.”
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