2018 Vermillion Red Wine Blend California 750 ml

Helen Keplinger is one of Napa’s most sought-after superstars: She’s graced the cover of Wine Spectator and was named Food & Wine magazine’s Winemaker of the Year. She’s consulted for wineries like Grace Family Vineyards, crafted a 98-point wine for Bryant Family Vineyard, and even notched a 100-pointer under the Carte Blanche label. 

Needless to say, you shouldn’t be able to find an example of Keplinger’s skills for less than $100—but her spectacular 2018 Vermillion Red Wine, which Jeb Dunnuck called “a beautiful wine well worth seeking out,” comes for a fraction of that price. 

If you ever have friends, family, neighbors, or gardeners stop by—heck, even if you’re a total recluse—this is the kind of wine you want to keep on hand in bulk. A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cabernet (and more!), it’s got a spicy nose laden with red berries and accented with black tea and savory herbs. The wine is plush on the palate, with a meaty texture and a long finish that fades gracefully as you reach for another sip.

Stretching from Sonoma County to the Sierra Foothills, the range of Keplinger’s source vineyards is like a wide-angle snapshot of Northern California viticulture. She has an unerring instinct for terroir, able to locate a vineyard’s “voice,” as she calls it, and exercise patience and meticulous care in expressing it with perfect clarity. To wit: this spectacular 2018 bottle.

Collectors don’t hesitate to pay hundreds for her bottles. You’ll be glad you got this one—it’s a peach!