2010 Keplinger Syrah Kingpin Rows
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Kingpin Rows remains pretty closed and unexpressive. Dark red cherries, plums, mocha, licorice and new leather blossom in an expansive, full-bodied Syrah loaded with depth and personality. Blackberries, crushed rocks, graphite and smoke all flow through to the intense, powerful finish. The 2010 could use another year in bottle, but it is impressive all the same. Kingpin Rows is 100% Syrah from Pelkan Ranch in Knights Valley.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Game, tobacco, black olives, savory herbs and incense all take shape as the 2010 Kingpin Rows (Syrah) shows off its considerable depth and pedigree. Another dark, virtually impenetrable wine, the 2010 is also going to need a few years to settle down. An intense, mineral-infused finish laced with chocolate, grilled herbs, spices and tobacco finds support from the serious, imposing tannins. Kingpin Rows is 100% Syrah from Pelkan Ranch in Knights Valley. Sadly, 2010 is the last Kingpin Rows, as Keplinger lost access to the fruit.
(100% syrah, from a parcel planted in 1996, located above Keplinger's Red Slope vines): Deep ruby-red. Knockout youthful nose hints at brambly blueberry, crushed rock, licorice, oil-cured black olive and spices; conveys a captivating combination of warm and cool notes. Then big, broad and rich, offering a compelling balance of sweetness and acidity; flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes with substantial broad tannins and spicy length. As large-scaled as this is, it's not at all heavy. The wine's high pitch suggests that it will evolve gracefully and gain in complexity.
Game, tobacco, black olives, savory herbs and incense all take shape as the 2010 Kingpin Rows (Syrah) shows off its considerable depth and pedigree. Another dark, virtually impenetrable wine, the 2010 is also going to need a few years to settle down. An intense, mineral-infused finish laced with chocolate, grilled herbs, spices and tobacco finds support from the serious, imposing tannins. Kingpin Rows is 100% Syrah from Pelkan Ranch in Knights Valley. Sadly, 2010 is the last Kingpin Rows, as Keplinger lost access to the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Helen Keplinger has turned out a gorgeous set of 2010s to follow up on her 2009s. Now that Keplinger has moved on from her post at Bryant, hopefully she will have even more time to dedicate to her own wines. In addition to the 2010s, I also re-tasted the 2009s, most of which were a bit closed, perhaps in bottle shock. Tel. (707) 252-7417