2021 Keplinger 'Sumo- Shake Ridge Vineyard' Red Amador County
100 Point Winemaker, Helen Keplinger keeps striking gold. Jeb Dunnuck sure recognizes her efforts, “I'm always amazed at the quality of the Sierra Foothills releases from Keplinger, and her 2021 Sumo is a prime example. This deep, rich, full-bodied effort has tons of black fruits, smoked herbs, leather, and violet notes in a concentrated, expansive, opulent style that just begs to be drunk.”
James Suckling
Lots of blackberries, black olives, green olives and spices such as cloves. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and richness. It shows a rather muscular nature that indeed suggest a wrestler of sorts. Touch of heat at the end. A blend of 83% petite sirah, 10% syrah and 7% viognier.
Vinous
The 2021 Sumo is quite the powerhouse. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, chocolate, graphite, crushed rocks, licorice, juniper berry ad dried herbs all run through this potent, tannic Petite Sirah-based wine. A touch of Viognier adds an aromatic presence. This is another impeccable wine from Helen Keplinger.
Jeb Dunnuck
I'm always amazed at the quality of the Sierra Foothills releases from Keplinger, and her 2021 Sumo is a prime example. This deep, rich, full-bodied effort has tons of black fruits, smoked herbs, leather, and violet notes in a concentrated, expansive, opulent style that just begs to be drunk. A Petite Sirah-heavy blend, it should keep for 7-8 years.