2021 Vice Versa Barrels and a Spinning Plate

Hopefully it's well known how much passion, energy and skill Patrice and Samantha bring to Vice Versa. In my mind that is what sets VV apart from many others sourcing from the same vineyards. The hallmark here is the polish and seamless texture. The 2021 vintage is shaping up to be one of their best.

Note that these are all barrel samples and not final blends, so there is room for much to change. The wines have tons of baby fat, vanilla and oak which is expected at this stage.

• 2019 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon Spinning Plates 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  The new entry level VV cab, meant to compete with the Realm Bards of the world. First sip and I have to say, the polish on this wine is simply amazing for the price point. Take all the VV SVD’s, remove a bit of depth & complexity but keep all the class & sophistication and you have Spinning Plates. Delivering black cherries, hints of cigar box, mocha, baking spices and lovely violets, this is super elegant with gorgeous tannin integration and impressive layering. Medium to full bodied, it is a great entry into the VV lineup and will be very competitive at the price point

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• 2021 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard 98 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

  Barrel sample and not the final blend, so take everything with a grain of salt. There’s a lot of vanilla and oak because all of these are infants, but wow is this vintage shaping up to be amazing. Classic LPV dark chocolate, cedar, forest floor, crushed rock, and hints of floral lead to a stunningly pure palate that shows wonderful savory nuances. Ripe tannin, impeccable texture and massive but controlled power are all present here. Fantastic wine in the making. 97-99

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• 2021 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard 98 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

  A bit more crème de cassis on the nose this year, along with vanilla, tobacco leaf and crushed flowers. Fleshy and polished with building power, this is a very well-rounded wine with more nuance and less fruity overtones than in other recent vintages. The palate is seamless with the most wonderfully refined tannins and a super long finish. Only a barrel sample, but damn, this is impressive. 97-99

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• 2021 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 100 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Clearly the KING of the hill this vintage. If you love VV’s style, put down whatever you are doing, run to your email/phone and ask if there are any left. This is world class juice right here. All the characteristics of LPV/Crane are present but this one goes to 11. The palate displays unreal levels of energy complimented by a massive core of decadent, pure fruit that is wrapped in the shell of soft but ample acidity. With pixilated fine-grained tannins, impressive structure and developing complexity, this is an epic winner. Finish is already super long. 99-100

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I realized a while ago that I don't need an LPV, Crane and To Kalon from every producer. For me, VV is the go to each year and they have yet to disappoint.