In northern California, winemaker Helen Keplinger is a serious powerhouse. After cutting her teeth at a series of standout wineries—including Grace Family, Bryant Family, Carte Blanche and others—she was named Wine & Spirits Magazine’s 2012 Winemaker of the Year and. Today, most of her bottles boast prices sized to match her big list of her accomplishments. That’s one reason she created ‘Vermillion,’ a passion project in partnership with her husband DJ Warner. Vermillion Red Blend is a bold, Rhône-inspired wine that showcases her exceptional winemaking prowess. This nose is bold and aromatic, with layers of blackberry, spiced plum, and dark cherry, complemented by notes of black pepper, star anise, cocoa, dried lavender, candied purple flowers, and crushed stone. Silky tannins and juicy acidity lead to a lingering finish with echoes of grilled herbs and pink peppercorns.