USA
The United States is a well-established wine region known for producing a wide range of exceptional fine wines that reflect the unique terroir of the country.
The American wine industry dates back to the early 17th century when European settlers brought grapevines to the country. Today, the United States is one of the world's largest wine producers, with California leading the way.
Some of the most famous vineyards in the USA include Napa Valley's Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Silver Oak, and Screaming Eagle, Sonoma's Kistler and Ridge Vineyards, and Oregon's Domaine Serene and Sokol Blosser. These vineyards are known for their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, as well as their use of traditional winemaking techniques.
Opus One, for example, is a renowned producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, one of California's signature grape varieties. The vineyard produces a range of high-quality wines, including the Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon, the Overture by Opus One, and the Opus One Napa Valley Red Wine.
With a focus on unique terroir, sustainable farming practices, and traditional winemaking techniques, the United States produces exceptional fine wines that are sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. From the bold and robust Cabernet Sauvignon to the elegant and complex Pinot Noir, American wines are a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
USA
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,631.20 |
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Vinous (96)The 2011 Madrona Ranch is another impressive wine in this range from David Abreu and Brad Grimes. It shows the typical Madrona Ranch profile of dried herbs, leather, tobacco, cedar and earthiness, with terrific fruit density and impeccable balance. This gorgeous St. Helena Cabernet will drink well for another 10-15 years. It's in great shape today. All the Madrona Ranch signatures are there, just with less volume than is typically the case. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. TAX
€1,013.94 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)Arietta's 2011 Red Wine H Block is bright, focused and energetic, with beams of salinity that provide support. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, pomegranate and star anise give the 2011 an intriguing, exotic character. The 2011 has enough acidity and structure to age gracefully for a number of years. This is another strong 2011 from Arietta. |
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|
California | 1 | 92 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. TAX
€284.08 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard from Bernard Magrez is another impressive wine for the year. Long, persistent and intense, the 2011 stands out for its focus and energy. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, sweet French oak and leather flow through to the layered, finish. The sweet, floral notes so typical of the 337 Cabernet clone present in Dr. Crane ring out on the finish. |
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Walla Walla Valley | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€583.60 |
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Vinous (95+)(13.4% alcohol): Explosive aromas and flavors of raspberry, smoked meat, woodsmoke, bacon fat, truffle and black olive, along with notes of minerals and bloody steak. Densely packed but juicy and almost magically light on its feet, with strong smoky minerality contributing to the impression of inner-mouth tension. Like a great Cote-Rotie in its sappiness and spicy lift. Finishes with a whiplash of flavor and subtle building length. Christophe Baron used just 10% new to age this wine as well as the En Cerise and Cailloux, letting his extraordinary sites speak for themselves. |
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Walla Walla Valley | 1 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€461.74 |
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Wine Advocate (94)We finished the tasting with the two Bordeaux blends. About as sexy and voluptuous as they come in the vintage, the 2011 Merlot Northridge Vineyard gives up loads of plum, violets, cassis, graphite and hints of spring flowers to go with a full-bodied, hedonistically styled profile on the palate. Possessing no hard edges, yet solid concentration and sweet tannin, it will put a smile on anyone’s face over the coming 7-82years. |
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|
California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,375.50 |
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Vinous (97)The 2011 Syrah IX Estate is another stellar wine in this retrospective at Colgin. Deep and quite potent, the 2011 has so much going on. A rush of dark cherry, plum, licorice and dried herbs hits the palate, with a whole range of lavender, black pepper and sage that develop in the glass. In many vintages, the IX Syrah is more a wine of place, but in 2011, the varietal Syrah character is front and center. The 2011 is just starting to show signs of aromatic development. It has enough class and presence to continue to drink beautifully for another 10-15 years, if not longer. |
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California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,516.38 |
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Vinous (94)The 2011 Dominus is a bold, powerful wine. It opens with a huge bouquet redolent of dried herbs, licorice, spice, tobacco and espresso. Relative to most vintages of Dominus, the 2011 is a bit light, but compared to most wines of the year, it is pretty big! The cool, savory notes that are typical of the year are present, but not dominant, while the 2011 is marked by a distinctly red fruit profile. |
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|
California | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,087.31 |
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Vinous (92)The 2011 Altagracia is round, sexy, supple and beautiful, especially within the context of the year. Sweet red berries, mint, tobacco, savory herbs and anise meld together in a distinctive wine long on personality. With time in the glass the wine fleshes out nicely, as the flavors become darker, richer and layered. Altagracia is a blend of mostly Eisele fruit, plus a bit of Vine Hill Ranch, a well-draining site in Oakville that is among Napa Valley's very best. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. |
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California | 1 | 96+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,003.64 |
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Vinous (96+)Araujo has long made some of the more restrained Cabernets in Napa Valley. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is one of the more Left Bank inflected wines in the estate's distinguished history. Beautifully layered and expressive, the 2011 graces the palate with exquisite finesse and total harmony. The 2011 isn't a huge, explosive wine like the 2010 or 2009, but it stands out for its exceptional length and vibrancy. Readers should not expect an obvious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I imagine the 2011 will still be marvelous at age 30, and I won't be surprised if it is one day regarded as one of the great, iconic wines of the vintage. The 2011 has been truly special since I started tasting the single blocks in the Spring of 2012. The blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. |
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|
California | 2 | 96+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,154.45 |
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Vinous (96+)Araujo has long made some of the more restrained Cabernets in Napa Valley. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is one of the more Left Bank inflected wines in the estate's distinguished history. Beautifully layered and expressive, the 2011 graces the palate with exquisite finesse and total harmony. The 2011 isn't a huge, explosive wine like the 2010 or 2009, but it stands out for its exceptional length and vibrancy. Readers should not expect an obvious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I imagine the 2011 will still be marvelous at age 30, and I won't be surprised if it is one day regarded as one of the great, iconic wines of the vintage. The 2011 has been truly special since I started tasting the single blocks in the Spring of 2012. The blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. |
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|
California | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,249.26 |
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Vinous (91)Gemstone's 2011 Red Wine impresses for its length and persistence. Dark red cherries, plums, iron, smoke and tobacco meld together nicely in the glass. The style is powerful and a bit compact, but all the elements are beautifully balanced. Tar, asphalt, savory herbs and tobacco notes reappear in the glass over time, adding complexity. It will be interesting to see if the 2011 opens up with more time in bottle. Today, it is a bit tightly wound. The 2011 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. |
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California | 1 | 95-98 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. TAX
€5,330.93 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95-98)(picked during the first half of October): Good medium ruby. Smoky aromas of ripe plum, black raspberry and minerals. Plush, very fine-grained and sweet, with lively harmonious acidity giving outstanding lift to the dense yet juicy middle palate. This is barely 14% alcohol and shows near-perfect balance. It's sure to be one of the wines of the vintage and will merit a score toward the higher end of my projected range if it continues to put on weight in barrel. |
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California | 1 | 95-98 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. TAX
€5,474.95 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95-98)(picked during the first half of October): Good medium ruby. Smoky aromas of ripe plum, black raspberry and minerals. Plush, very fine-grained and sweet, with lively harmonious acidity giving outstanding lift to the dense yet juicy middle palate. This is barely 14% alcohol and shows near-perfect balance. It's sure to be one of the wines of the vintage and will merit a score toward the higher end of my projected range if it continues to put on weight in barrel. |
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|
California | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,841.74 |
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Vinous (95+)The 2011 Estate Cuvee is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sweet tobacco, wild flowers, mint, licorice, fennel and mint all meld together in a perfumed, gracious wine graced with stunning elegance and refinement. The 2011 is less obvious than either the 2010 or 2012, but it is more fragrant and perfumed. Clean, saline notes support the striking finish. The blend is 56% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. |
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|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€856.38 |
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|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,790.87 |
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|
California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,466.87 |
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Vinous (95)The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Cœur de Vallée has aged exceptionally well. In 2011, Cœur de Vallée was made entirely from To Kalon fruit and was a blend of nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. That choice paid off big time, as the wine is absolutely exquisite. Bright floral, spice and tobacco accents lend freshness. Readers can look forward to another decade of fine drinking. |
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|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,904.87 |
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|
California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€3,875.20 |
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Vinous (95)Soaring aromatics and beams of tannin give the 2011 Proprietary Red its signature feel. The 2011 is never going to be a huge wine, but it is vivid and exceptionally beautiful. A host of pine, menthol, tobacco, licorice and savory herb nuances lift to this soaring, exquisite hillside Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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|
California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€5,668.42 |
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Vinous (98)I loved the 2011 Screaming Eagle when it was in barrel and then as a young, recently-bottled wine. It is every bit compelling today. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, sage, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. At age ten, the 2011 positively bristles with energy and freshness. Winemaker Nick Gislason waited until the end of October to harvest. Among other things, the 2011 is unique for its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (12%). Today, the 2011 is spectacularly beautiful. Readers who own it should be thrilled. |
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|
California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€11,245.25 |
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Vinous (98)I loved the 2011 Screaming Eagle when it was in barrel and then as a young, recently-bottled wine. It is every bit compelling today. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, sage, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. At age ten, the 2011 positively bristles with energy and freshness. Winemaker Nick Gislason waited until the end of October to harvest. Among other things, the 2011 is unique for its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (12%). Today, the 2011 is spectacularly beautiful. Readers who own it should be thrilled. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€5,384.69 |
|||||
Vinous (94)A dark, voluptuous beauty, the 2011 Second Flight is laced with plum, grilled herbs, tobacco, smoke, violets and graphite. The style is cool, savory and precise, perhaps with a bit less body than normal, but with plenty of energy, finesse and balance. Simply put, this is a magnificent showing. |
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|
California | 1 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€3,661.52 |
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Wine Advocate (96)Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. |
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|
California | 4 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,797.76 |
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Wine Advocate (96)Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. |
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|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,352.87 |
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|
California | 1 | 93+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,714.38 |
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Vinous (93+)(13.8% alcohol; a blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 3% malbec): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of crushed cassis, bitter cherry, licorice and leather. Youthfully tight yet already quite penetrating; today the wine's licorice and fresh herb notes dominate its underlying dark fruit flavors. More backward than the 2011 La Muse, even austere today. |
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|
California | 1 | 94+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,630.38 |
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Vinous (94+)(14.4% alcohol; 89% merlot, 7% malbec and 4% cabernet franc): Deep ruby-red. Terrific lift to the aromas of cassis, licorice, mint, minerals and bitter chocolate, accented by herbs and rose petal. The middle palate offers outstanding depth for 2011, as well as terrific definition and energy to the dark berry, nutmeg and cassis leaf flavors. Finishes classically dry, with subtle building length. Seillan told me he uses the malbec for spice, not to add color or volume. A huge success for the vintage. |
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|
California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,720.38 |
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Vinous (93)The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,350.00 |
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Vinous (96)The 2011 Madrona Ranch is another impressive wine in this range from David Abreu and Brad Grimes. It shows the typical Madrona Ranch profile of dried herbs, leather, tobacco, cedar and earthiness, with terrific fruit density and impeccable balance. This gorgeous St. Helena Cabernet will drink well for another 10-15 years. It's in great shape today. All the Madrona Ranch signatures are there, just with less volume than is typically the case. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
€830.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)Arietta's 2011 Red Wine H Block is bright, focused and energetic, with beams of salinity that provide support. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, pomegranate and star anise give the 2011 an intriguing, exotic character. The 2011 has enough acidity and structure to age gracefully for a number of years. This is another strong 2011 from Arietta. |
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|
California | 1 | 92 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
€233.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard from Bernard Magrez is another impressive wine for the year. Long, persistent and intense, the 2011 stands out for its focus and energy. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, sweet French oak and leather flow through to the layered, finish. The sweet, floral notes so typical of the 337 Cabernet clone present in Dr. Crane ring out on the finish. |
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|
Walla Walla Valley | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
€477.00 |
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Vinous (95+)(13.4% alcohol): Explosive aromas and flavors of raspberry, smoked meat, woodsmoke, bacon fat, truffle and black olive, along with notes of minerals and bloody steak. Densely packed but juicy and almost magically light on its feet, with strong smoky minerality contributing to the impression of inner-mouth tension. Like a great Cote-Rotie in its sappiness and spicy lift. Finishes with a whiplash of flavor and subtle building length. Christophe Baron used just 10% new to age this wine as well as the En Cerise and Cailloux, letting his extraordinary sites speak for themselves. |
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|
Walla Walla Valley | 1 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
€340.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)We finished the tasting with the two Bordeaux blends. About as sexy and voluptuous as they come in the vintage, the 2011 Merlot Northridge Vineyard gives up loads of plum, violets, cassis, graphite and hints of spring flowers to go with a full-bodied, hedonistically styled profile on the palate. Possessing no hard edges, yet solid concentration and sweet tannin, it will put a smile on anyone’s face over the coming 7-82years. |
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|
California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,135.00 |
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Vinous (97)The 2011 Syrah IX Estate is another stellar wine in this retrospective at Colgin. Deep and quite potent, the 2011 has so much going on. A rush of dark cherry, plum, licorice and dried herbs hits the palate, with a whole range of lavender, black pepper and sage that develop in the glass. In many vintages, the IX Syrah is more a wine of place, but in 2011, the varietal Syrah character is front and center. The 2011 is just starting to show signs of aromatic development. It has enough class and presence to continue to drink beautifully for another 10-15 years, if not longer. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,245.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)The 2011 Dominus is a bold, powerful wine. It opens with a huge bouquet redolent of dried herbs, licorice, spice, tobacco and espresso. Relative to most vintages of Dominus, the 2011 is a bit light, but compared to most wines of the year, it is pretty big! The cool, savory notes that are typical of the year are present, but not dominant, while the 2011 is marked by a distinctly red fruit profile. |
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|
California | 1 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
€884.00 |
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Vinous (92)The 2011 Altagracia is round, sexy, supple and beautiful, especially within the context of the year. Sweet red berries, mint, tobacco, savory herbs and anise meld together in a distinctive wine long on personality. With time in the glass the wine fleshes out nicely, as the flavors become darker, richer and layered. Altagracia is a blend of mostly Eisele fruit, plus a bit of Vine Hill Ranch, a well-draining site in Oakville that is among Napa Valley's very best. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. |
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|
California | 1 | 96+ (VN) |
In Bond
€829.00 |
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Vinous (96+)Araujo has long made some of the more restrained Cabernets in Napa Valley. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is one of the more Left Bank inflected wines in the estate's distinguished history. Beautifully layered and expressive, the 2011 graces the palate with exquisite finesse and total harmony. The 2011 isn't a huge, explosive wine like the 2010 or 2009, but it stands out for its exceptional length and vibrancy. Readers should not expect an obvious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I imagine the 2011 will still be marvelous at age 30, and I won't be surprised if it is one day regarded as one of the great, iconic wines of the vintage. The 2011 has been truly special since I started tasting the single blocks in the Spring of 2012. The blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. |
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|
California | 2 | 96+ (VN) |
In Bond
€951.00 |
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Vinous (96+)Araujo has long made some of the more restrained Cabernets in Napa Valley. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is one of the more Left Bank inflected wines in the estate's distinguished history. Beautifully layered and expressive, the 2011 graces the palate with exquisite finesse and total harmony. The 2011 isn't a huge, explosive wine like the 2010 or 2009, but it stands out for its exceptional length and vibrancy. Readers should not expect an obvious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I imagine the 2011 will still be marvelous at age 30, and I won't be surprised if it is one day regarded as one of the great, iconic wines of the vintage. The 2011 has been truly special since I started tasting the single blocks in the Spring of 2012. The blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. |
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|
California | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,830.00 |
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Vinous (91)Gemstone's 2011 Red Wine impresses for its length and persistence. Dark red cherries, plums, iron, smoke and tobacco meld together nicely in the glass. The style is powerful and a bit compact, but all the elements are beautifully balanced. Tar, asphalt, savory herbs and tobacco notes reappear in the glass over time, adding complexity. It will be interesting to see if the 2011 opens up with more time in bottle. Today, it is a bit tightly wound. The 2011 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. |
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|
California | 1 | 95-98 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
€4,430.00 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95-98)(picked during the first half of October): Good medium ruby. Smoky aromas of ripe plum, black raspberry and minerals. Plush, very fine-grained and sweet, with lively harmonious acidity giving outstanding lift to the dense yet juicy middle palate. This is barely 14% alcohol and shows near-perfect balance. It's sure to be one of the wines of the vintage and will merit a score toward the higher end of my projected range if it continues to put on weight in barrel. |
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|
California | 1 | 95-98 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
€4,550.00 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95-98)(picked during the first half of October): Good medium ruby. Smoky aromas of ripe plum, black raspberry and minerals. Plush, very fine-grained and sweet, with lively harmonious acidity giving outstanding lift to the dense yet juicy middle palate. This is barely 14% alcohol and shows near-perfect balance. It's sure to be one of the wines of the vintage and will merit a score toward the higher end of my projected range if it continues to put on weight in barrel. |
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|
California | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
€1,490.00 |
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Vinous (95+)The 2011 Estate Cuvee is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sweet tobacco, wild flowers, mint, licorice, fennel and mint all meld together in a perfumed, gracious wine graced with stunning elegance and refinement. The 2011 is less obvious than either the 2010 or 2012, but it is more fragrant and perfumed. Clean, saline notes support the striking finish. The blend is 56% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. |
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|
California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€695.00 |
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|
California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,470.00 |
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|
California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,200.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Cœur de Vallée has aged exceptionally well. In 2011, Cœur de Vallée was made entirely from To Kalon fruit and was a blend of nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. That choice paid off big time, as the wine is absolutely exquisite. Bright floral, spice and tobacco accents lend freshness. Readers can look forward to another decade of fine drinking. |
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|
California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,565.00 |
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|
California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€3,220.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95)Soaring aromatics and beams of tannin give the 2011 Proprietary Red its signature feel. The 2011 is never going to be a huge wine, but it is vivid and exceptionally beautiful. A host of pine, menthol, tobacco, licorice and savory herb nuances lift to this soaring, exquisite hillside Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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|
California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
€4,720.00 |
|||||
Vinous (98)I loved the 2011 Screaming Eagle when it was in barrel and then as a young, recently-bottled wine. It is every bit compelling today. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, sage, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. At age ten, the 2011 positively bristles with energy and freshness. Winemaker Nick Gislason waited until the end of October to harvest. Among other things, the 2011 is unique for its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (12%). Today, the 2011 is spectacularly beautiful. Readers who own it should be thrilled. |
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|
California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
€9,360.00 |
|||||
Vinous (98)I loved the 2011 Screaming Eagle when it was in barrel and then as a young, recently-bottled wine. It is every bit compelling today. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, sage, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. At age ten, the 2011 positively bristles with energy and freshness. Winemaker Nick Gislason waited until the end of October to harvest. Among other things, the 2011 is unique for its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (12%). Today, the 2011 is spectacularly beautiful. Readers who own it should be thrilled. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€4,465.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)A dark, voluptuous beauty, the 2011 Second Flight is laced with plum, grilled herbs, tobacco, smoke, violets and graphite. The style is cool, savory and precise, perhaps with a bit less body than normal, but with plenty of energy, finesse and balance. Simply put, this is a magnificent showing. |
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|
California | 1 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
€3,005.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. |
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|
California | 4 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,475.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96)Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,120.00 |
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California | 1 | 93+ (VN) |
In Bond
€1,410.00 |
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Vinous (93+)(13.8% alcohol; a blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 3% malbec): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of crushed cassis, bitter cherry, licorice and leather. Youthfully tight yet already quite penetrating; today the wine's licorice and fresh herb notes dominate its underlying dark fruit flavors. More backward than the 2011 La Muse, even austere today. |
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California | 1 | 94+ (VN) |
In Bond
€1,340.00 |
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Vinous (94+)(14.4% alcohol; 89% merlot, 7% malbec and 4% cabernet franc): Deep ruby-red. Terrific lift to the aromas of cassis, licorice, mint, minerals and bitter chocolate, accented by herbs and rose petal. The middle palate offers outstanding depth for 2011, as well as terrific definition and energy to the dark berry, nutmeg and cassis leaf flavors. Finishes classically dry, with subtle building length. Seillan told me he uses the malbec for spice, not to add color or volume. A huge success for the vintage. |
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California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,415.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red. |