2011 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon Estate McWilliam's Vineyard
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Plumpjack's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate shows lovely purity in its expressive fruit and the layered, floral/savory notes that are typical of year. Dark, nuanced and beautifully woven together, the 2011 impresses for its balance. The 2011 is of course quite different from the richer wines that are typical here, but it is highly reflective of the year and quite beautiful in its own right. The 2011 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot.
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Jancis Robinson MW
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The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a successful effort in this more challenging vintage. Its black/purple color is accompanied by copious notes of cassis and blackberries intermixed with hints of charcoal and spice. Medium-bodied with less intensity than the 2010 Estate, but impressive purity and depth, it should drink well for 15 years. This enviable estate on the Oakville Corridor, sandwiched between Rudd Estate and Screaming Eagle, and overlooked by Dalla Valle and a handful of other blue bloods is the former Villa Mt. Eden estate made famous by Nils Venge in the 1970s. The great wines of Villa Mt. Eden are well represented by what Plumpjack has accomplished since they took over this estate. There are two cuvees, the basic Cabernet Sauvignon and a Reserve offering. Tel. (707) 945-1220
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon has a lovely radiance and density to it, but at the same time, it is also a bit raw, which is not unusual for the year. It will be interesting to see where this goes over the coming years. Hints of sage, rosemary and crushed flowers linger on the nuanced finish. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot.