David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

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. — a year ago

GV

9.0

Old Speckled Hen is a favourite. It's malty, slightly sweet with a nice hint of caramel. A good solid old fashioned English pint. — 3 years ago

Pooneet K

9.3

What a wonderful Napa Merlot from Mathiasson. Quite deep in the glass. Tons of pepper on the palate which is interesting. Lots of dark red fruit - not blackberry, but blackcurrant. Excellent acid and a nice finish. Great pairing with pork chops with a mustard sauce. — a year ago

Daniel Bloom

9.0

You know something special is afoot when this is the basic* juice.
N: Rhubarb, orange/red flowers, strawberry candy. You could smell this for days…or nights.
P: It’s crisp and cool,forest fruits and paired with Hen of the Woods and creminis, polenta, we’re in the pocket. There is that subtle sous-bois , or underbrush to it that matches so well.
Delicious stuff. — 2 years ago

Kevin C

9.0

Straw, mild apple. Just a lovely sipping white. Mild, a tiny bit of acid. Good on its own or with a light dish: cornish hen, white fish, linguini and clams. — 3 years ago

Shay A

9.4

For planning purposes of something in the future, I tasted 2014 central coast Syrahs from high end producers blind. Along with the Lillian (my bottle), there was SQN, Andremily, Torrin Akasha, Booker Fracture, Alban Reva and Alban Lorraine.

First off, I love these wines. The price in comparison to the others is impressive, and it always delivers. I double decanted this about two hours prior to the blind tasting. Dark purple in the glass, with aromatics of both sweet oak as well as whole cluster stem inclusion. Loads of dark floral notes, ripe blackberries, cherry jerky and that kiss of sweet oak. The palate remained the same from opening through the end of the blind tasting…a distinctly fuzzy profile on the palate with gorgeous mid palate depth and richness of blue and black fruits with plenty of herbal flair and spice. It toes the line between cool climate Syrah with their signature black peppercorn and iron, as well as big central coast Rhône style with its rich and textural palate. No rush on opening, but it sure is great now.

Out of the 7 in the lineup, this was the “cheapest”, and tied for 3rd place (with the Andremily being the runaway favorite, Alban Lorraine taking second, and this tying the SQN). — 3 years ago

Ming L

9.0

This underwent 100% malolactic and spent 10 months in 30% new French oak, so it has a creamy palate ripe with stone fruits. Yet it does not feel heavy or cloying. Oak is well managed and acidity manages to be fresh. Quite enjoyable.

The Laird family holds about 2000 acres of vineyards in Napa Valley, including Suscol and Linda Vista. Red Hen is the home estate. — 2 years ago

Austin Hohnke

8.9

This is the “La Caniere” Chassagne-Montrachet rouge from Miolane. An hour in the decanter reveals cranberry, citrus peel, cherries, and iron with powdery tannins. The structure obscures the fruit a bit but there is some lovely nuance. This wants to be paired with pork loin or something ridiculous like Cornish hen. — 2 years ago

Carlos Gonzalez

9.3

This is Cali Cab — 3 years ago

Ross Chernin

9.3

Beautiful and integrated. Tannins and settled in wonderfully but the structure still manages the high alcohol and keeps everything incredibly balanced.

Having with Cornish game hen with roasted butternut squash, onions and celery. Finally a cool evening in the summer. Taste like Thanksgiving.

This wine is like that perfect cranberry accompany to the meal. — 3 years ago

with Jazmina