2011 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

For some reason, the more expensive 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve came across as slightly more earthy and oak-dominated, even though the wood treatment is the same for all of these wines. From a vineyard planted in volcanic soils near Atlas Peak, this wine is rich, well-made and full-bodied, but it is not singing to the same extent as the Juliet and Romeo. Perhaps it is just more restrained and has slightly higher tannin, giving it a firmness the other wines did not possess. This winery, which is located in the southern part of Napa Valley just off the Silverado Trail in the relatively obscure Soda Canyon area, has fared exceptionally well in 2011. It shows the upper end of how this vintage could fare from certain terroirs where they made a strict selection in the vineyard as well as in the winery. All four of these wines are top-notch efforts in this difficult vintage and Beau Vigne deserves plenty of recognition for what they have achieved. Tel. (707) 265-7781