2012 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(14% alcohol; from Klipsun, Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval and Upchurch vineyards): Dark ruby-red. Knockout nose combines spicy red and black fruits, tobacco, minerals and black pepper, plus a complicating medicinal aspect. Delivers outstanding concentration and a fine-grained texture, showing lovely floral lift and a classic juicy Red Mountain Cabernet character. The tannins communicate an impression of finesse but this wine is nonetheless still tight on the back end. Combines the "plum brandy of Klipsun, the Latour-like focus of Grand Ciel, blueberries and minerals from Ciel, and the floral character of Upchurch," according to Chris Upchurch.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The limited production 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags is an off-the-hook effort. Decadent, layered, unctuous and rich, with classic Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, chocolate, lead pencil, crushed rock and graphite, this awesome 2012 hits the palate with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, a stacked, rich, concentrated mid-palate, and loads of sweet tannin that are almost completely hidden under all of the wine's fruit and texture. Given the wealth of material here, it's already hard to resist, but don't let that fool you, this has the balance, concentration and structure to keep for 2-3 decades. It's a sensational Cabernet from this team that should not be missed.