2017 Keplinger Lithic
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The 2017 Lithic is Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, a blend that always works so well here. Aromatically giving and yet also quite deep, the Lithic is powerful and exquisitely beautiful today. Dried herbs, crushed flowers and lavender are some of many nuances that add complexity to the inky dark blueish fruits in this Rhône blend.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2017 Lithic is a Rhône-like blend of 42% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that’s all from the Shake Ridge Vineyard in Amador. This ruby/purple-hued effort has some obvious meatiness as well as notes of cassis and blueberry fruits, medium to full body, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. This would easily stand on its own in a lineup of top Chateauneuf du Papes or Gigondas.
Blended of 41% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre and 27% Syrah, the 2017 Lithic comes from vineyards Amador and the Sierra Foothills farmed by Ann Kraemer and was aged 18 months in 30% new French oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it has quite an earthy/savory nose of truffles, fertile loam and crushed rocks over a core of baked plums, blackberry pie and raspberry preserves plus hints of chargrill and garrigue. Full-bodied and solidly constructed with firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, if finishes long and earthy. 280 cases produced.