2011 Pott Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal Greer Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Full, bright ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, licorice and shoe polish accented by mint and peppery herbs. Intensely flavored and high-pitched, showing good freshness and mid-palate lift if less richness and density than the 2010 model. Finishes with slightly tough tannins and a touch of the vintage's dryness.
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal Greer Vineyard is one of the more tannic wines in Aaron Pott's range this year. Firm tannins provide the backbone for a core of expressive dark fruit in a powerful, inward wine that needs time to fully come together. Mocha, tar, licorice and smoke add complexity on the brooding finish. Readers will need to be patient here. The combination of intense fruit and underlying structure is compelling.
(100% cabernet sauvignon, from the See clone and clone 4): Good medium ruby. Highly perfumed nose combines dark berries, tobacco, dried herbs, pepper, cedar and aromatic spices. Then tight, dry and youthfully imploded on the palate, with flavors of tobacco leaf, fresh herbs and tea currently dominating the berry fruit. Distinctly less sweet than the 2010 version, with the tannins cutting off the fruit on the back end. Essentially fine-grained but too dry for me.