VINE HILL RANCH Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

WA: 93+?

Derived from grapes picked between August 24 and September 25, there are limited quantities of VHR's 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a bit minty and herbal, with hints of crushed stone accenting mixed red and black cherries. It's medium to full-bodied but comes across as taut and firm, even a touch austere. It's an excellent effort, although I do wonder if the tannins will ever truly relax.

VM: 93

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is dense, powerful and unyielding. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, graphite, bay leaf and dried herbs give the 2020 its decidedly somber, potent feel. The 2020 was harvested from August 24 to September 8, very early for the estate, with half of the fruit coming in between August 24 and 27. Because of that, the tannins are pretty imposing in their presence. The VHR Cabernet is a very, very good wine for the year, but understanding the natural ceiling imposed by the very challenging conditions of the year. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how the 2020 develops in the coming years.

WA: 98

Scheduled to be released in February 2024, VHR's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is another fabulous wine from the Phillips family and winemaker Françoise Peschon. On the nose, it's a bit restrained, with a subtle herbal perfume, hints of peppery spice and a concentrated mix of red and black cherries. In the mouth, the wine is similarly composed and polite, being medium to full-bodied, silky and taut in feel, balanced and elegant on the lingering finish.

Vine Hill Ranch (VHR) is situated at the southern end of Oakville, bounded by Harlan Estate to the north, Beckstoffer's Missouri Hopper to the east (those 40 acres were once part of the VHR property) and Hopper Creek and Dominus Estate to the south. The property, owned by the Phillips family, consists of 600 acres, of which 70 are planted almost entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon. VHR are first and foremost grape growers, boasting 13 winery partners, eight of whom bottle single-vineyard wines from the property. Managing Partner Bruce Phillips points out that the parts of the vineyard that extend up into the foothills of th

VM: 99

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is fascinating to taste next to the Extended Age bottling. It offers a bit more aromatic presence and brightness. A burst of plum, violet, lavender and cinnamon opens. Energy and tension abound. What a wine. It is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage.

WS: 96

This shows the textbook '21 profile -- vivid, with high-def flavors of cassis, crushed plum and boysenberry reduction forming the core, along with support from strident notes of graphite and apple wood. Tucked in on the tightly wound finish are extra licorice, violet and bramble accents. Very coiled up now; patience is required as this unfurls in the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2042. 200 cases made.