2011 Anderson's Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve
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Tasting notes
A racy, explosive wine, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is endowed with terrific energy and pure power. Blackberries, cassis, licorice, menthol and melted road tar all burst from the glass. The 2011 is wild and even a bit unrestrained, but it offers terrific potential. Like all of the 2011s, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit closed today, but it is tasty just the same.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
As good as the 2010 is, the 2011 isn't too far behind. Vibrant, layered and beautifully textured, the 2011 impresses for its energy. Dark cherry, plum, graphite, menthol, tar and licorice all jump from the glass in a powerful, structured wine endowed with serious density. The tannins are naturally quite youthful, but they should begin to soften with time. Todd Anderson and his team have done a magnificent job with the Estate Reserve.
The open-knit 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve exhibits cassis, plum and ripe cherry fruit notes, soft tannins, and an elegant, lush, fruity style without the structure of the 2010. Medium-bodied with 14.6% alcohol as well as plenty of near-term appeal, it is a successful effort in this tough vintage. Drink it over the next 8-10 years. Since I last tasted the wines of Conn Valley Vineyards, the excellent winery tucked away in the backwaters of Conn Valley, there has been a complete label makeover. Tel. (707) 963-8600
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve offers up notes of sage, rosemary, tobacco and subtle earthiness. Today the 2011 is a touch compact, but its balance is striking, especially within the context of the year. Floral notes add an element of brightness on the finish. This is going to be an interesting wine to follow over the coming years.