February 3, 2023 - A bottle that holds a lot of sentimental meaning, this was the first “nice” bottle of wine my wife and I bought together shortly after we got engaged in 2015. We went to Napa a few days later and attended the Flora Springs Trilogy release party (which we ended up doing 6 times in a row). While iced-in here in TX this week, we decided to open this bottle that we’ve had for almost 8yrs exactly to the day. One of the things I love about wine is the ability to attach memories to bottles!
Right off the bat, this is classical 2011 Napa. It has a distinct green streak down the middle of the palate. Flora Springs was able to get the fruit semi-ripe which balanced out the lean and mean acidity. I have no qualms with 2011 Napa (and have found some to be absolutely incredible). I can appreciate a wine that speaks to the vintage, like this one. At roughly 12yrs, this is integrated. Oak is in the background, with cherry pipe tobacco, cherry cordial and underripe blackberries. Smooth and light bodied on the palate. Not getting any better, I suggest enjoying now.
November 23, 2021 - in a good place...Flora Springs really is a great winery at integrating fruit with complexity/spice/earth. off year but a good effort.
July 23, 2021 - Has held up surprisingly well, especially considering the relatively poor professional ratings it received upon release.
September 22, 2020 - Fruity nose and vibrant upon open. Full mouthfeel with some good spiciness and acidity. Some tannin still needed to be resolved. Over an hour or so, the fruitiness faded and the wine turned quite uninteresting. It was good with braised short ribs while it lasted.
August 22, 2020 - Amazing but flighting peppermint aromas immediately after pouring, then fades into cherry cola and tobacco leaf. At this point, the body is fading slightly, but with some residual tannins in the finish that are nice a grippy. Silky smooth, herbs, black cherry, and roasted root vegetable make for a fairly complex Bordeaux Blend that has a couple more years of life. I’d recommend drinking now, as I believe it’s in its sweet spot. 92
April 25, 2020 - Drank with Klampus, CV.
October 30, 2019 - Getting better with age. Rich and ripe red fruit with a little toasty edge. Medium to full body with balanced acidity. Drink now or over the next few years.
February 15, 2019 - Ready to drink.
December 25, 2018 - christmas. good with prime rib
February 20, 2018 - The nose has hints of dried hay, sassafras, baker's chocolate, dried fig and sweet balsamic notes. It has a savory entry and profile with balsamic drizzled bacon-wrapped figs, plums and dried prunes, black currant leaf, cured salami and dried grape skins. It has good weight to stand up to the acid-driven style of 2011. Finishes on root beer and cola notes with hints of duck jus and smoked lamb. It's like a meal in a glass. Very nice.