Tasting Notes

WA95

Coming all from the new, incredibly steep estate vineyard located high up near the top of Red Mountain, the 2011 Collaboration Series Cabernet Sauvignon is distinct in the lineup for its deep black currant, tobacco, underbrush, violets and mineral-loaded profile. More rounded and supple on the palate than some of the Ciel du Cheval bottlings, it has a rich, weighty mouthfeel, knockout purity of fruit and enough silky tannin to allow it to evolve gracefully for at least a decade. This is only the fourth leaf for the vineyard and hats off to the Force Majeure crew for having the vision to push the envelope on where grape vines can be planted and for the perseverance to work those steep hillsides. Drink now-2021. Rating: (93-95)+

WE92

This is the second vintage release for the estate vineyard, which occupies the highest planted portion of Red Mountain. Precise, sharp-edged, high-acid red-fruit flavors of berry and cherry seem stacked vertically, with a strong mineral underpinning. The alcohol is a bit high, but overall the structure holds together and would support further aging; drink now–2022.

Other wines you may like