2015 Keplinger Lithic
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Lithic comes from rocky, volcanic soils in Amador and is 40% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache, and 26% Syrah that was brought up in 10% new French oak (a mix of demi-muids and Burgundy barrels). It has an exotic bouquet of blueberries, crushed flowers, spiced meats, and earth. With terrific purity of fruit, a distinct minerality, no hard edges, and the purity of fruit and elegance that’s the hallmark of all of Helen’s wines, drink this terrific wine anytime over the coming decade.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Helen Keplinger's 2015 Lithic is a powerful, shockingly tannic wine. I don't think I remember tasting a vintage of Lithic that is this forbidding in the early going. Dense, powerful and explosive, the 2015 captures both the intensity of this hillside site and the very small berries of 2015. The 30% whole clusters are nicely integrated. Time in the glass brings out an attractive rose petal/lavender note that is quite appealing. It will be interesting to see if the 2015 softens over time. Readers will have to be patient here.