2012 Pott Kaliholmanok
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Tasting notes
Next to some of the other wines in this range, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok comes across as a bit delicate and understated. Grilled herbs, tobacco, smoke and mint all add nuance, but overall the Kaliholmanok has a tough time matching the intensity and complexity of the best wines in this range.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok Kicu Me Vineyard (the name of the indigenous Wappo native Americans who lived on top of Spring Mountain) possesses plenty of blueberry, black raspberry and spring flower characteristics. It comes from geologically diverse soils with lots of the red Aiken dirt present. A full-bodied, layered mouthfeel as well as tremendous density and purity are found in this sensational Cabernet. Slightly more backward than some of its siblings, it should drink well for 12-15+ years.
(winemaker Aaron Pott said this was the original Wappo Indians' name for Spring Mountain, which he says meant "naked woods people friendly"): Good red-ruby. Cassis, black cherry, licorice and menthol lifted by fresh herbs on the lively nose. Broad and pliant for Spring Mountain cabernet but with plenty of structure to support its brambly mountain berry flavors. I like the tannin treatment here.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok is another super-finessed Cabernet Sauvignon from Aaron Pott. Silky, refined mountain tannins provide the backbone in this gorgeous, impeccable Caberenet Sauvignon. Nuanced and articulate, the 2012 boasts gorgeous, expressive aromatics and impeccable balance. The Kaliholmanok emerges from a parcel high atop Spring Mountain on the Napa side.