2011 Immigrant True Vineyard
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Tasting notes
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. The 2011 Immigrant is 39% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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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. Medium to full-bodied, sensual, intensely rich but pure, and almost surreal in its elegance and finesse combined with such authoritative intensity, it should drink well for a decade or more. 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