Keplinger Vermillion Red Wine 2020, Sonoma County, Sierra Foothills, California

The quality of wine is based on the quality of all its inputs – good vineyards, smart farming, pure and focused winemaking – ultimately attention and TLC at every step. “We make this wine from the vineyards to the bottle, working closely with grape growers from awesome little vineyard sites in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Sierra Foothills. We’ve sought out interesting sites with great dirt, farm them with care and thought, and use traditional winemaking to craft honest wine and make an artisanal red wine blend to match any occasion, any food, any time. Vermillion is a terroir-driven, delicious, hand-crafted wine to be enjoyed any night of the week.” The 2020 Vermillion red blend has a very bright and ultra-lively nose showcasing raspberry coulis, dark fruit, brambled blackberry and black tea. The palate is broad, with fine tannins giving way after some air; while it shows a plush mouthfeel, layers of red and dark fruits, garrigue, coriander and middle eastern spices, all coming together in a mile long finish. 67% Syrah. 33% Grenache.