Kerr Cellars
Kerr Cellars
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Bright, citrusy, with lemon, grapefruit, and guava. Very refreshing. — 2 months ago
Jones Family Vineyard
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
I can only imagine what this will be like in 10 more years. Unfortunately I had to open this way too early to make sure I didn’t need to pull a credit from a new store that I had bought a few bottles from, my 2019 Kerr were toasted from effects of heat. So had to make sure this wasn’t another bad bottle. As soon as I pulled the cork I knew it was just fine, tried a sip then corked back up then decanted the next day for 3 hours to enjoy with some Wagyu Rib Cap from Snake River. Fantastic combo. Took me forever to find a 2013 Jones at a fair price, bummer I had to open so soon. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Becsktoffer Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.
If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.
Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.
All the reds I had were feminine in style. If you like bold, meaty wines, these might not be for you. This only 92+ due to its vegetal characteristic on the nose and palate.
The nose reveals fruits are beautiful & floral; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, poached strawberries, dark cherries and blueberries hues. Soft baking spices, dark spices, mixed berry cola, delicate minerality, sweet, dark, rich soils, whiff of pepper, sadly some hues of green pepper & florals that are dark, red, blue set in violets.
The palate soft and elegant on entry. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum, strawberries & blueberry hues. Dark palate piercing spices with heat as it lingers, very soft baking spices-cinnamon, clove & vanillin, light, fresh tobacco, soft leathery tones, most clay, mid palate a good presence of pyrazine-vegetal/green pepper (fruit not quite ripe which is surprising from this vineyard), excellent bright florals, good acidity and a well knitted, balanced, elegant finish.
Photos of, sitting lounge in the tasting room, Winemaker Helen Keplinger, tasting room wall and tasting bar. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2019
Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.
If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.
Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.
This is a 92+. Tasted pop & pour. I would also like to try this again in 4-5 more years. Think it would show some improvement.
The nose on the Sonoma was darker more brooding. Yet, still shows femininity. Blackberries, black raspberries, poached strawberries, cherries, plum, dry cranberries and hovering blueberry hues, delicate baking spices, some dark spice, and bright red, dark, blue florals set in violets.
The Sonoma was a bit lean on the palate…very light on its feet and elegant. Nicely, ripe; blackberries, poached strawberries, dry cranberries, pomegranate notes, some plum & blueberries. Soft baking spices-(light clove, cinnamon, touch of nutmeg) with a edge, lightly grilled meats, soft dark spice, some light, fresh tobacco, sandalwood, excellent acidity with a beautiful, elegant, rounded finish that lasts just under a minute.
Photos of; sitting area in their tasting room, Christy Kerr, branding sign outside kiddy corner of restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa and their tasting bar. — 2 years ago
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin
Brut Rosé Champagne Blend 1990
1990 vintage in magnum. Veuve Cliquot Cave Privee Rose at Mark's Club Veuve Clicquot dinner - Pale peach in colour with good radiance. Constant stream of small bubbles. Lovely concentrated nose of red fruits and freshly cut figs. As the wine gradually opens in the glass, candied strawberries with freshly baked cherry tart rise to prominence. Very elegant across the palate with good weight and a long lingering finish. This is a big, sexy, voluptuous wine. There is nothing subtle here. Think Sophia Lauren in a sable bolero over Deborah Kerr in a lily white dress. This magnum was disgorged in 2011. 93/100. Drink now to 2030.
— 10 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Helicon Sage Ridge Vineyard Red Blend 2023
@delectable this is their Sage Merlot.
First vintage for their Merlot.
This is big dark Merlot. Needs 5-7 yrs of aging.
If you put this in a Napa tasting, folks would call Bordeaux blend.
Big, meaty M+ tannins. Blackberries before dark cherries, black raspberries, dark spice, earthy dry soils, crushed rocks, herbs, tobacco, leather, candied flowers that are; dark, red, purple, could use more acidity but that may play out better later, deep finish that lasts minutes and long sets on earth & spice. — 2 months ago
Kerr Cellars
Wappo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Beautiful, dark color. 100% cab. Full bodied with excellent fruit. On the palate: pencil, tobacco, chocolate, and soil. Full bodied and luscious on the palate with silky finish. — 2 months ago
Keplinger
Oakville Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
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. — 5 months ago
Kerr Cellars
Red Hen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.
If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.
Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.
They shared with me a story about a vineyard name fight. I don’t completely recall it. Divided attention tasting and writing. However, he drew parallels to Stag’s Leap apostrophe story.
All the reds I had were feminine in style. If you like bold, meaty wines, these might not be for you. 94-95.
Beautiful elegant nose. Yet, broods just a touch. Candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, plum, cherries and purple hues, softly layered baking spices, understated dark spice and bright florals that are blue, dark & red framed in violets.
The palate shows candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, poached strawberries, black raspberries & cherries. A couple of their reds threw me a bit of a deductive curve but kept coming up baking soda notes. Soft, powdery, delicate volcanic minerals, dry top soils, soft, dark spice with some gentle heat as it sets, not over the top baking spices, black licorice, dry tobacco, soft leather, soft barrel notes, fresh, dark, red, blue flowers, excellent acidity, smooth as silk, elegant, well balanced, well polished finish that lasts 90 seconds.
Photos of; tasting sitting lounge, Christy Kerr, the branding sign out front and kiddy corner of restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa and tasting bar. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Rued Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
gift bottle from friends, our first tasting of anything from Kerr Cellars.
An enjoyable Chardonnay, nicely nuanced, not too much oak. Apples and pears, a bit of butter scotch.
Served with cold chicken, potato, and mixed greens salad with a side of watermelon and French bread on a hot summer day. — 3 years ago
Jacques Bardelot
Brut Champagne Blend Rosé
A delightful way to celebrate the Warriors win in the Finalss. NBA champs again! To Steph, Klay, Draymond,Wiggins, Poole, every Warrior & Steve Kerr! Amazing night! — 4 years ago
Round Pond Estate
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Great bottle from Jess Kerr — 13 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
@delectable this is their Helicon.
This is gorgeous. Perfectly ripe, lush M tannins. Their round and tail into powdery. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, plum and strawberries. Dry herbs, dry tobacco w/ash, spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, red & dark bright florals, excellent acidity with balance, nice structure/ length with a two-minute finish that lands on earthiness. — 2 months ago
Kerr Cellars
Silver Eagle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023
Helen Keplinger makes Kerr. Helen in my mind,!is the best female winemaker since Cathy Corison.
Silver Eagle is one of my Pinot Vineyards in Napa/Sonoma.
Ripe, lush; coral & somewhat candied blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, plum, strawberries & blueberry heaven. Dark spice w/ , grilled meats, great dark, red & blue coral, balance for days. — 2 months ago
Kerr Cellars
Mast Ranch Vineayard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.
If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.
Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.
The is 96+.
The nose shows really pretty, bright, floral, fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries & baked strawberries. Pretty, soft baking spices, baking soda, vanillin, dark chocolate, caramel, dark, forest floor with leaves, smokiness, expresso roast, sandalwood, dark, red, blue florals framed in violets.
The palate is light & fresh and juicy fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, plum, some strawberries and dark cherries. The tannins are beautiful, soft & supple, finely crushed rocks & limestone, dry river stone, dry herbs, dry twig, dry top soil, dark spice, mid intensity baking spices, vanilla, dry tobacco, soft leather, touch of lead pencil, fresh, bright, dark, red blue florals with violets, rainfall acidity, elegant, well balanced, beautifully knitted, great length and smartly polished, wire to wire long finish.
Photos of; sitting area in the tasting room, Winemaker- Helen Keplinger, tasting room bookcase and bar. — 2 years ago
Kerr Cellars
Reserve Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2019
Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.
If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.
Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.
As some of you know, I am not the biggest champion of California Chardonnay. There are some exceptions and this is one of them.
This is a beautiful expression of how good they can be w/o too much new oak. This is also one not to be served over chilled. I’d say around 60 degrees.
The Reserve has amazing viscosity and mouthfeel. It is slightly honeyed, vanillin, soft caramel notes, slivered almonds, lemon custard, white stone fruits, green apple, tropical melons, understated white citrus, pineapple hues, just a touch of herbaceousness, gentle minerality, yellow lilies & flowers, very round acidity, it is lush, elegant as it can get, beautifully balanced with a smooth and smartly polished finish that last nearly two-minutes.
Photos of; Christy and Helen, their tasting room which is just past and kiddy corner of the entrance to restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa. — 2 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
@delectable This is their Petit Verdot
They have t made a Petit Verdot since 2018.
100% PV is tricky to make. Generally more of a structure grape for Bordeaux blends. But Helen has does a nice job here. It will require 5 plus yrs to round out but nice.
Dusty medium M+ tannins. Core of dark currents, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries & raspberries. Scorched earth, dark spice w/ palate heat, dry soils w/ leaves, herbs, clay, dry crushed rocks, gorgeous slightly candied, florals that are dark, red, blue with violets, nice acidity and a very balanced, well toned/structured, elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and long sets on earth & spice.
This will pick up a point or two with time. — 2 months ago