Tasting Notes
Vinous 91+
(from a very late growing season in which the harvest took place in October): Dark ruby. Cool aromas of blackberry, dried sage and thyme, Kona coffee, black olive and peppery herbs. Boasts good density and intensity to its cassis and cherry flavors but also a distinctly green element of mint, pepper and herbs. Finishes juicy and firmly tannic: will this expand in bottle? This was the first Insignia vintage since 2000 with all five Bordeaux varieties, as a bit of Cabernet Franc found its way back into the blend–in this case, from three-year-old vines in Suscol vineyard. Hepworth believes that the wine’s green notes will diminish over time and that it will evolve gracefully.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2032
Robert Parker 88
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa displays a denser saturated ruby/purple color as well as a pure, spicy bouquet with lots of black currants, medium body and an abrupt, gritty finish. This excellent Cabernet should be drunk in its first 7-8 years of life. Looking at several 2012 barrel samples reinforces the true greatness of this vintage in Napa Valley. The first-growth Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in the hands of Paul Hobbs can be magical and I had high expectations for the 2012 version. Tel. (707) 824-9879
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021
