2023 Keplinger Lithic GSM Shake Ridge Vineyard Amador County 6pk 6x750ml

This is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah from three blocks that are picked ‘piecemeal,’ as Helen Keplinger puts it. The grapes are co-fermented, typically with 30–50% whole cluster, though less in 2023. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by ageing in 500- and 600-litre barrels, with the Syrah aged separately in a smaller neutral barrel. The wine is then assembled and aged for 17 months before bottling. With the inclusion of whole cluster, the wine is quite coiled at present, framed by wonderfully compact, tightly knit tannins. It’s incredibly fresh, showing very pure red and black berry fruit with hints of brown spice and violets. There’s a touch of white pepper, a chalky mineral edge, and even an ultra-fine, sandy texture, but the wine remains tightly wound and very much a sleeper. I’d wait to pull corks until around 2027, then enjoy it over at least a decade—certainly longer if you can. ~ 96 Decanter

This is all about reduction, floral lift and a meaty character from the mourvedre and 40% whole-cluster fermentation. The palate is firmly framed with bright acidity and a long, mineral drive. A well-balanced, pure blend of 49% mourvedre, 32% grenache and 19% syrah. Drink or hold. ~ 96 James Suckling

The 2023 Lithic is a seriously beautiful wine of unreal complexity. Crushed flowers, mint, sage, tobacco and dried fruits fill out the layers. Bright acids and beams of tannin shape a vibrant, sculpted wine that's long on class and personality. Savory and mineral Mourvèdre notes reappear on the close. ~95 Vinous Media

A co-fermented blend of 49% Mourvèdre, 32% Grenache, and 19% Syrah that's all from the rocky soils of the Shake Ridge Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills, the 2023 Lithic was fermented with 45% whole clusters and aged 17 months in 500-liter French oak with 10% new. Darker berries, smoke, sappy flowers, and resinous mountain herb and herbes de Provence notes all shine on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, pure, soft, supple, and balanced on the palate, with fine tannins and a pure, graceful style. I love its complexity, and it's a charming, layered, undeniably delicious beauty to drink over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035. ~ 94 Jeb Dunnuck