2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Bright purple. Cherry, cassis, pipe tobacco and vanilla on the nose, with a subtle herbal quality in the background. Supple dark fruit flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity, taking on spiciness with aeration. Finishes sweet and gently tannic, with the dark berry and tobacco qualities lingering.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon jumps from the glass with sweet spices, cloves, menthol, plums, iron, red cherries and tobacco. A soft, supple Cabernet for the year, the 2011 has lovely balance, not to mention considerable early appeal. The finish is long, creamy and expressive. Another year or two should help soften the slightly firm 2011 tannins.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa displays a denser saturated ruby/purple color as well as a pure, spicy bouquet with lots of black currants, medium body and an abrupt, gritty finish. This excellent Cabernet should be drunk in its first 7-8 years of life. Looking at several 2012 barrel samples reinforces the true greatness of this vintage in Napa Valley. The first-growth Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in the hands of Paul Hobbs can be magical and I had high expectations for the 2012 version. Tel. (707) 824-9879
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.