VHR, Vine Hill Ranch
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Assessment"
Oakville AVA
Auction 16 | Lot No. 152
Vintage: 2010
VHR, Vine Hill Ranch
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville
5 cases produced
Description
Napa Valley growers have farmed Vine Hill Ranch since 1884, documenting their annual plantings of grapevines and other crops in hand-scribed reports. These historic “Assessment” County records inspired our 2012 Premiere Napa Valley presentation—a tribute to the agricultural history of Vine Hill Ranch.
Three generations of the Phillips family have farmed this land since 1959, culminating in the inaugural release of the VHR, Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon last year.
The 2010 Assessment explores two of the singular aspects of Vine Hill Ranch’s seven block vineyard – the underlying minerality of our creekside Block 7, and the dark fruit and brooding tannins of our hillside Block 6. Combined, these two elements help define VHR, Vine Hill Ranch, deserving special reflection within the 2010 Assessment.
Winemaker: Francoise Peschon
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
Tasting Chart
| bone dry |
|
very sweet |
| light body |
|
very full bodied |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins |
|
heavy tannins |
 |
Francoise Peschon
Winemaker, VHR, Vine Hill Ranch
Raised in California's wine country with family roots in Luxembourg, Francoise received an enology degree from UC Davis. After post-graduate work at the University of Bordeaux and an apprenticeship at Chateau Haut-Brion, Francoise returned to the Napa Valley.
In 1993, Francoise joined Araujo Estate, soon stepping into the role of winemaker. The reputation of the vineyard and the Phillips Family's determination to craft a wine of place drew Francoise to VHR in 2008.
Country born: United States
Education: UC Davis
University of Bordeaux
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Honors / Awards:
SF Chronicle Winemaker of the Year (2020)
Winemaking Philosophy:
I collaborate closely in the field with vineyard manager, Michael Wolf, to cultivate a wine that is dynamic, powerful and elegant; a soulful expression of the site.
Imbibe Wine and Spirits
4140 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield CA 93309
661-633-9463
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Imbibe Wine and Spirits:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taplin Cellars | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | E. Lewelling Taplin | 24 (2020) |
| Nellcôte | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Wild Card | 23 (2019) |
| Hestan Vineyards | 2017 | Grenache | Napa Valley | Estate | 22 (2018) |
| Kelly Fleming Wines | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 22 (2018) | |
| VHR, Vine Hill Ranch | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Assessment | 22 (2018) |
| THE DEBATE | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Kelly Fleming Wines | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 20 (2016) | |
| Oakville Ranch Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Cole Cannonball | 20 (2016) |
| VHR, Vine Hill Ranch | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Assessment | 20 (2016) |
| Dos Lagos Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | 19 (2015) | |
| Salvestrin | 2012 | Red Wine | St. Helena | 20th Anniversary Blend | 19 (2015) |
| Stone The Crows | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| Etude | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Vine Hill Ranch | 18 (2014) |
| Ovid Napa Valley | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| VHR, Vine Hill Ranch | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Assessment | 18 (2014) |
| Ladera Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Two Mountains | 17 (2013) |
| Lail Vineyards | 2011 | Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | Henry IV | 17 (2013) |
| Paradigm Winery | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 17 (2013) | |
| Quintessa | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Dragon’s Terraces | 17 (2013) |
| Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 17 (2013) | |
| VHR, Vine Hill Ranch | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Assessment | 17 (2013) |
| Etude | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 16 (2012) | |
| Lail Vineyards | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Henry III | 16 (2012) |
| Laird Family Estate | 2010 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Miner Family Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| VHR, Vine Hill Ranch | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Assessment | 16 (2012) |
| Artesa Winery | 1999 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Bookends Blend | 6 (2002) |
| Oakford Vineyards | 1997 | Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) | Oakville | 3 (1999) |
Winery Distribution
VHR, Vine Hill Ranch is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
International:
- Canada (Rogers & Company)
- Japan (Nakagawa Wine Company)
- Switzerland (Putzi's Weinresidenz AG)
- United Kingdom (Justerini & Brooks)