2009 Keplinger "Lithic" Amador County Rhone Blend
SKU #1208366
94 points
Wine Spectator
Beautifully crafted, intense and vibrant, with a firm mix of loamy earth, mineral, plum and blackberry. Full-bodied and tightly wound, this one begs for cellaring, ending with a strong flex of ripe tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2014 through 2024.
(2/2012)
93 points
Int'l Wine Cellar
(42% Grenache, 34% Mourvedre and 24% Syrah; 14.8% alcohol): Full, bright red-ruby. Lovely high notes of lavender and blood orange lift the aromas of blackberry and bitter chocolate. Dense, sweet, energetic and seamless, with superb intensity and a light touch to the flavors of red and blue fruits, gun metal, tree bark and crushed rock. This wonderfully penetrating, juicy wine finishes with toothcoating tannins and powerful structure. Superb, and built for the long haul. (ST)
(5/2012)
93 points
Vinous
The 2009 Lithic comes across as rich, round and polished, with a greater sense of harmony and finesse than the 2008. This is a decidedly extroverted wine bursting with dark red fruit, flowers and spices. Darker hints of smoke, iron and savory herbs develop with time in the glass, adding further complexity and nuance. The 2009 Lithic is 42% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre and 24% Syrah. (AG)
(12/2011)