The Vine Hill Ranch is one of the best 2011s I have tasted thus far. The fact that the Phillips are farmers first shines through in this difficult vintage. Putting quality over quantity and choosing to harvest late they were forced to drop a substantial portion of the fruit but what remained is brilliant. The fruit for the 2011 was sourced from from blocks 3, 4, 6, and 7. This has a ton of character, delivering a big nose and palate of cherries and berries with black pepper and toasted oak. The finish brought on a mouthful gravel and crushed rock minerality. This will get better with age but is one of their more approachable vintages. The wine was aged in French Oak for 15 months, then blended and returned to barrel for an additional six months. 503 cases.
Rating | Value | Drink |
96 |
$150 |
2014-2028 |
Country | Region | Appellation |
United States |
California |
Napa Valley, Oakville |
Editor | Issue | Importer |
J. D'Angelo |
February, 2014 |
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