2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard

Kata’s 2011 Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard has been superb both times I have tasted it. A blend of about 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Petite Sirah, the 2011 Kata unfolds with layers of dark red stone fruits, spices, wild flowers, menthol, licorice and iron. Wonderfully layered and textured, the 2011 impresses for its dimensions of complexity and nuance, not to mention its considerable personality. The 2011 has shut down a bit since I first tasted it in barrel, where it was positively head-spinning. I would give the 2011 another year or two in bottle. The 2011 harvest started with the Petite on September 26 and ran through October 14 for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Benoit Touquette used all of the parcels of the vineyard except for the Phelps clone Cabernet, which originates from Backus. In its inaugural vintage, the 2011 was fermented entirely in new oak. In subsequent vintages, the new oak may come down, especially for the Petite, in order to allow for more of the vibrancy of the fruit to come through. It takes a lot of conviction to release a new, high-end wine in Napa Valley, where the competition is so intense. To do it with the 2011 vintage is gutsy, to say the least.