2011 True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby-red. Sexy, exotic perfume of raspberry, blueberry, mocha and woodsmoke. Densely packed flavors of dark berries, flowers and minerals are nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Really wonderfully fat for 2011 cabernet, finishing with serious broad, ripe tannins and outstanding persistence. I don't think I would have identified the vintage here, as this is a real outperformer. And the crop size was good too, as this high-altitude vineyard flowered after the early June rains.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Even better is the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard, one of the candidates for wine of the vintage. It, too, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is given the same basic elevage as the other wines except the percentage of new French oak increases to 90%. There are 375 cases of this beauty, which may be the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon Outpost has made to date. Abundant notes of creme de cassis, blueberry, acacia flowers (or is it violets?), licorice and wet stones are followed by a full-bodied, superbly concentrated, multidimensional, endearingly textured wine with low acidity and ripe tannin. Drink it over the next 15-20 years. This property high on Howell Mountain at an amazing elevation of 1,800 feet is owned by Kathy and Frank Dotzler. The debut vintage was 1998. They had the good sense to bring in Thomas Brown as their winemaker, and the results have included some terrific wines. This current group proves several points: 1.-2011 was a remarkably fine vintage on Howell Mountain; 2.- Outpost is intent on producing some of the world’s finest wines; 3.- this may be the finest Grenache made in northern California; and 4.- if you are a lover of complex, delicious wines, you should check out these Outpost offerings ASAP. Outpost has 19 acres under vine, 9 of which comprise their flagship True Vineyard. Five cuvees are currently being produced. Tel. (707) 965-1718
The 2011 Immigrant True Vineyard is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, all co-fermented. Savory herbs, mint, licorice, plum and black cherry notes all meld together in a wine of distinction and class. Mocha, spices, grilled herbs and floral notes become more prominent over time. Ideally, readers will be able to give the 2011 a few years in bottle. This is a fabulous first effort from Outpost and winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. (AG) 93+
A new cuvee that represents an homage to Frank Dotzler’s parents is the 2011 True Vineyard Immigrant, a 175-case blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc and 28% Merlot that was aged 20 months in 60% new French oak. Spectacular aromatics offer up forest floor, mulberry, plum, cassis, white chocolate, crushed rock and spring flowers notes. (RP)