2011 Morlet Family Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee
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Tasting notes
Morlet's 2011 Coeur de Vallee—a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc—delivers a slightly leafy nose that comes across a bit earthy and muddled, imparting a savory edge to the remaining black cherries. It's only medium to full-bodied, with a dusty texture, bright acidity and a long, focused finish. "We were close to full ripeness, so we picked before mold set in," said Morlet, acknowledging it was a challenging year.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
More evolution evident on this vintage, but it shows the quality of the winemaking, with its tobacco, truffle and smoked earth notes. There is still fruit here, brambled and seductive, edges of turmeric and saffran, earthy but full of life. 85% new oak, native yeast fermentation, bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Cœur de Vallée has aged exceptionally well. In 2011, Cœur de Vallée was made entirely from To Kalon fruit and was a blend of nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. That choice paid off big time, as the wine is absolutely exquisite. Bright floral, spice and tobacco accents lend freshness. Readers can look forward to another decade of fine drinking.
I loved the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur De Vallee. It has a regal, classic Napa Valley style in its ripe currant and cassis-like fruits as well as tobacco leaf, new leather, cedar, and spice. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant Cabernet with high quality tannins, a great mouthfeel, and outstanding length on the finish. It's mature, yet given its overall balance, purity, and ripe tannins, it should easily keep for another decade.