“Top Shelf” Tasting Notes 11/21/14

NORTH COUNTY WINE COMPANY “TOP SHELF” HOLIDAY TASTING 11/21/14

PLUMPJACK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011
“Plumpjack’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate shows lovely purity in its expressive fruit and the layered, floral/savory notes that are typical of the year. Dark, nuanced and beautifully woven together, the 2011 impresses for its balance. It is of course quite different from the richer wines that are typical here, but it is highly reflective of the year and quite beautiful in its own right. The 2011 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot.” 93 points Vinous. $89.97

FIGGINS ESTATE RED 2011
“Sourced entirely from the estate vineyard, this is two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Merlot, with just a splash of Petit Verdot. Fat, juicy, toasty and deliciously flavorful, it opens quickly into a plush midpalate, with pomegranate and raspberry fruit dominant. Streaks of caramel and nougat thread through the generous finish.” 94 points Wine Enthusiast. $89.97

CAYMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012
“The winery’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering is nothing short of spectacular. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing! ” 96 points Wine Advocate. $54.97

JOHN DUVAL ENTITY SHIRAZ 2012
“The best edition yet of this well-crafted Shiraz. The nose is ripe and mellow, with layers of rich blackberry and plum. There’s a wealth of spice and soulful, earthy depth and a smoky tarry edge too. The palate is smoothly honed, with a dense mid-palate that offers bright blackberry and plum flavors. Deceptively study tannins carry hauntingly throughout and merit considerable cellaring if you can keep your hands off it!” 96 points Decanter. $37.97

PAPILLON BY ORIN SWIFT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012
French for butterfly, “Papillon” is Orin Swift’s Bordeaux Blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Grapes are sourced from Napa Valleys sub-appellations Oakville, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain, including top vineyards such as Stagecoach and Morisoli. “Luring aromas of currants, mulled blackberries, French vanilla, and exotic spices serve as an intriguing precursor to tasting. The opening is dense and powerful with extracted blue and red fruit flavors which leads to beguiling cassis, plum, and a hint of mocha later. The tannins are already so soft and suave which lends to early appeal and cellaring if one so chooses.” $59.97