Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

Tasted at the winery with DJ Keplinger on 1/14/25. It was the second day they moved their tastings from their tasting room on Franklin to Arrow & Branch. Hellen made two or three of their past vintages and still have a relationship.

I think the day before I was headed there @Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7 sent me a bunch of scores Jeb had given a 💯 and or 98/99’s. This one Jeb had given a 💯 and many other Keplinger wines 98+.

I really like Hellen’s craft here and at; Kerr, Carte Blanche and Bryant when she was crafting those wines. But I am hesitant to give any wine a perfect score. I have found only 4 in tasting an estimated 25k plus wines over my wine life. Many of those I wrote detailed notes.

While this 23 really grabbed my attention at first sip, hard to say it merits a 💯. Will it add a point or two when it has had the right bottle evolution? Sure. It is just not there today. There 23 wines have not even received their labels. This one because of the embossed front is applied by hand. They will start shipping this one and the RBK in March.

It fruits are glorious from mid-dark reds & blueberries. The mouthfeel excellent as is the tannin structure. Helen is very adept at creating wine you can drink young and will improve over 20 yrs. It showed soft earthiness, spice, layered baking spices, fresh, soft tobacco/leather. Dark flowers to violets, grand acidity and a very refined, elegant long finish that lasts nearly two-minutes.

Also tasted:

- 23 RBK named after her father or grandfather. I can’t remember. It was as well excellent, 96-98.

- 22 Oakville Ranch that was very good as well, 95-96.

Both of these did not show their true self’s until I went back to them at the end of my tasting. They absolutely blossomed with time in the glass.

I forgot to take photos so I went to the web. Photos of Arrow & Branch & Helen & DJ Keplinger.

Enjoyed my nearly two hours with DJ. Salt of the earth kind of gentleman. — 4 months ago

Kyle Altomare

Assistant Winemaker at Artesa Vineyards & Winery

9.4

Holy alcohol. First sip its maple syrup and bourbon. Second sip. Alcohol. — 11 years ago

Scott MacLeod

Sales/Social Media Manager, MacLeod Family Vineyard

9.2

Extremely drinkable and bright! Doesn't blast your palate and goes great with smoked pork! #ipa #hangar24 #beer — 11 years ago

David Shaw

9.0

Kotsifali grape grown in the Kamari region of western Crete in Greece, is made in the Marouvas style for a “more gentle” wine. Made by a female winemaker. No idea what Kapnapi is but try their website at lyrakis.com On initial pour, light to moderate pigment extraction, red plum in color, very good clarity. Aromas of unripe cherries and wood with a hint of butter/butyric. Soft mouthfeel, lightly flavored but a tad viscous. 14.9% alc/vol but not hot. Light mint and herbal notes in aftertaste. Quite different a wine, tasty but I’m not sure what I should be looking for in this variety. Good craft here, keep fighting the good fight against the patriarchy! Paired well with green chicken enchiladas as the snow was coming down outside. 24 hours later, light chewy tannins emerge, along with grape fruit, soft acid, and just a bit of aldehydic-sherry character. Fun wine, savory, not fruit forward. I’d decant it though. Would like to revisit this one. — 3 years ago

Rachel Ginn

9.5

Really good, lighter than nicks not too heavy but chocolaty — 10 years ago

Jonas Johansson

9.0

Love the label! Americana Art Deco at is best. Big flavor. Citra can be quite one dimensional but this is great pine redwood upfront without having overpower followed by Mayer lemon and grape fruit. Pretty awesome. Very California. Thick too I imagine it has a fair share of maltodextrine in the brew. Geeking out on a Friday evening making dinner. — 11 years ago

Jonas Johansson

9.0

Great Helles. Tasted more Euro than American. — 9 years ago

Landshark 626

9.0

I loved the regular Betty, the double Betty is incredible. — 10 years ago

Micah Clark

9.7

Sour funk but a sweetness from the fruit. Almost smells like Alsace Pinot Gris but super light on the palate. Good bubbles still for 2 years in — 10 years ago

Andi Kay

9.6

Very tangy and refreshing — 11 years ago