Winemaker Notes
The 2011 is certainly a candidate for one of my favorite vintages ever, displaying the entire range of Cabernet fruit flavors from black cherry and blueberry through plum, cassis and blackberry with cameos played by black raspberry and lingonberry, shored up by bracing natural acidity and firm and grippy, but velvety, tannins. A wonderful mineral streak and forest-floor earthiness run up the middle and a precocious violet perfume enhances the aromas. Grace notes include cocoa, espresso and savory sage, thyme, allspice and coriander. It feels supple and textural in the mouth - luscious. This calls for lamb!
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Shy on the nose at first, with a direct, silky and finessed palate. There is a sappy, herbal quality that is indicative of the vintage, but with slightly more depth on the mid palate than other examples. Wakes up considerably after a few hours of air, putting on weight and intensity throughout. Drinking Window 2021 - 2031
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Connoisseurs' Guide
The Corison hand is clearly evident here, and, as ususal, this wine runs to refinement rather than to barely contained power. It is moderately full-bodied, wonderfully lithe and supple in feel with a quiet impression of continuing richness. Proportion and balance are its salient strengths, and, if eschewing big muscles in favor of grace, it is nonetheless structured to steadily grow for a decade and last for another beyond that.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.