2021 Vermillion Red Blend, Central Coast, California

The quality of the wine is based on the quality of all its inputs - good vineyards, smart farming, pure and focused winemaking - lovely and pure.

Medium-deep garnet-purple hues, aromas leap from the glass, Black Forest cake and blackberry compote scents plus touches of herbs and floral nuance, with a hint of soft pepper spice. Look for silky-supple mouthfeel, softly textured tannins on the palate dance with juicy red cherry, exotic wild raspberry jam, cinnamon, and licorice nuances, and tones of violets and rose. It presents a fresh and lengthy finish, and will knock the socks off of any Rhône hound. This is a wine for every night, every dish, any time.

40% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Mourvedre

Helen Keplinger is a rockstar, cult winemaker, and with her husband DJ, are the brainchild behind Vermillion Wine.  She’s made profound wines for Grace Family Vineyards, Carte Blanche; working with Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, she has been the winemaker for some exciting projects, including Cellers Melis as far away as (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards, and has already appeared on the cover of The Wine Spectator. She focuses on the Keplinger and Vermillion brands with her husband.