2010 Basilisk

Keplinger's 2010 Basilisk wraps around the palate with juicy dark raspberries, flowers, mint and licorice. An unusual Grenache from Russian River, the Basilisk brings together expressive varietal notes with the juiciness that is typical of the appellation. The rich, seamless finish has plenty of early appeal.The 2010 Sumo is a tremendous wine endowed with serious depth. Explosive and powerful, the 2010 covers every inch of the palate with black cherries, plums, menthol, and melted road tar. Hints of exotic spices develop later, adding layers of complexity and nuance. This is another 2010 that needs bottle age to settle down, but it is fabulous, even today. Here, too, though, the road comes to an end, as 2011 is the last vintage for the Sumo. The 2010 is 88% Petite Sirah and 10% Syrah, co-fermented with 2% Viognier, from Shake Ridge in the Sierra Foothills. This is another brilliant showing from Helen Keplinger.

(from very young vines on a steep, south-facing rocky slope in what Helen Keplinger described as "a warm pocket"): Good bright, dark red. Aromas of kirsch, blood orange and Christmas spices, plus a suggestion of roasted raspberry. Sweet, supple and plush, with just enough ripe acidity to give shape to the candied cherry and spice flavors. As this is the least deep of these 2010 releases--no surprise in light of the very young vines--the tannins come across as a bit tough, with the roasted fruit note repeating.

Keplinger’s 2010 Basilisk wraps around the palate with juicy dark raspberries, flowers, mint and licorice. An unusual Grenache from Russian River, the Basilisk brings together expressive varietal notes with the juiciness that is typical of the appellation. The rich, seamless finish has plenty of early appeal. 2013-2018. Helen Keplinger has turned out a gorgeous set of 2010s to follow up on her 2009s. Now that Keplinger has moved on from her post at Bryant, hopefully she will have even more time to dedicate to her own wines. In addition to the 2010s, I also re-tasted the 2009s, most of which were a bit closed, perhaps in bottle shock. Tel. (707) 252-7417