2011 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve McWilliam's Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is striking in its beauty. Sage, rosemary, menthol, licorice and plum notes flesh out in a wine that brings together the aromatic, savory notes of the year with the classic Plumpjack expression of fruit. Sweet tobacco, new leather, licorice and smoke all add complexity as the flavors build to the deep, resonant finish. The 2011 is naturally a more medium-bodied wine than most previous years, but all the elements are in the right place. Production was down a whopping 50%. In 2011, the Reserve is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve exhibits a saturated purple color in addition to lots of blueberry and blackberry fruit, sweet tannins, a terrific mouthfeel, medium to full body and great purity. One of the vintage’s superstars (of which there are not many), it should drink well for 10-15 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
Plumpjack's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is impressive, especially within the context of the vintage. All of the Reserve signatures are in place, the 2011 is just a bit smaller in scale than most recent vintages. This is shaping up to be a terrific wine. The 2011 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot.