2015 Keplinger 'SUMO' Red Blend Amador County
Like Andy Erickson, Helen is a huge advocate for the Shake Ridge vineyard in Amador County. Vinous called this blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Viognier “Inky, deep and explosive… endowed with serious density from start to finish. Blueberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender, cloves and licorice are bold and luscious in the glass… The 2015 is superb. That’s all there is to it.”
Vinous
The 2015 Sumo is another fabulous wine in this range. Inky, deep and explosive, the 2015 is endowed with serious density from start to finish. Blueberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender, cloves and licorice are bold and luscious in the glass. Even with all of its intensity, the 2015 retains considerable freshness. Helen Keplinger has done a terrific job in taming the tannins in this Petite Sirah-based blend. The 2015 is superb. That's all there is to it.
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Sumo checks in as 84% Petite Sirah, 13% Syrah and 3% Viognier, mostly cofermented, that was brought up in 60% new Burgundy barrels. It’s as inky as they come yet offers a pure, elegant bouquet of blueberries, caramelized black cherries, graphite, smoked earth, and leafy herbs. With full-bodied richness, awesome intensity and depth of fruit, good freshness, and a great finish, it’s one hell of a steakhouse wine that’s going to keep for 10-15 years.