2011 Kelly Fleming Cabernet Sauvignon
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A library release made by founding winemaker Celia Welch, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking well at the moment. Herbal shadings accent cassis and cigar-box aromas, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, smooth and silky. It should be consumed over the next several years; pouring it alongside herb-rubbed lamb would probably help to bring out the remaining fruit.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Kelly Fleming's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit closed today, most likely because of its recent bottling. Savory herbs, tobacco, smoke, licorice and menthol all add considerable aromatic complexity and nuance as the 2011 opens up in the glass. As always Fleming's Cabernet has an eccentric streak of wildness to it. The 2011 is a bit smaller scaled than other recent vintages, but that doesn't keep the wine from being hugely appealing.
I was quite taken with the three wines I tasted this year from Kelly Fleming and her long-time winemaker Celia Welch. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific effort in a very challenging year. Welch gave the fruit a little more time on the skins and lowered the percentage of new barrels, an approach that worked nicely here. The 2011 stands out for its energy, focus and balance. It will be interesting to see where the wine goes over the coming year, but there is plenty of potential.