Fairly vinous on the nose: cigar ash, musty basement, along with voluptuous dark fruits: blackberry coulis , cassis. The palate is soft, tannins quite resolved and overripe black fruits, dark molasses, tobacco, an undercurrent of pencil without much grip. Missing is the structure of acid and tannin, and the usually recognizable sweet herbal/eucalyptic Alexander Valley note. Finish is long, alcohol is in balance, and remains deeply fruited.
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(Tasted Blind): Deep ruby colour with ripe blackcurrant flavours spice, with hints of vanilla and smoke. The palate reveals an abundance of soft, creamy vanilla-infused black fruit flavours. A smooth and powdery texture leads to soft and nicely-extracted tannins. A forward, modern wine, there is a depth of flavour and complexity showing as a coffee, blackcurrant/cassis and chocolate undertone. It exhibits good length and development, still showing its youthful character with a twist of liquorice. Cabernet led with Merlot and some Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
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This was one of my favorite Cali Cabs, back when I was drinking a ton of them. Also, why I generally preferred A.V. Cabs more than those from Napa. Problem has always been the limited number of producers and of ones made as well as Lancaster has been making them, for years. This bottle reminded me why. Amazing color and aromatics with good structure and restrained tannins, at just under its 10yr mark. Thoroughly enjoyed!
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purple, full body; long legs, black berry chassis, coffee, good acid, nice resolving tannin, long finish, opened up nicely over 2 hours. good value @ $38
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In a great place right now and probably will not get any better. Very smooth tannin's and great secondary notes of eucalyptus and pine needles. fruits is nice and not the star of this one but very nice.
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Drink this up because it doesn’t seem to have a lot of legs left. Fans of Malbec will like this as the integration of Malbec is Lancaster’s signature.
During a visit to the winery 2 years ago, an employee at the tasting room indicated the 2009s were going to be over the hill soon. The 2011 vintage - not being a spectacular one - means the drinking window is now.
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This was delicious. Cork showed no issues. Still tight initially but opened up well after about an hour decant. Well integrated tannins, good fruit with bright cherry notes. Never fell apart and only got better and better until it was gone. Displayed the super soft mouthfeel that I find typical of many Sonoma cabs. I would recommend drinking it now because it was so damn good, although it could probably sit a little bit longer...maybe a couple years. Wish I had more.
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The cork was a mess, but after few minutes some funk blew off, and a nice and balanced wine remained. Plenty of fruit and secondary characteristics. It went well with Round Table's King Arthur Supreme.
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Not rated. 2-1/2 hour double decant. Some sediment. No notes taken. We simply enjoyed! Full, rich, complex, notes of red cherry (as I recall). An excellent 2011 in spite of the vintage. Would be interested to see what these folks can do with a 'better' vintage.
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2 hour decant. Deep purple/red to edge. Initial nose of black fruit and vanilla oak. Tasted of oak, black fruit, meat and uh, cow shit? (not that there's anything wrong with that). A bit rustic with a nice tannic backbone. Long, lingering finish. Paired perfectly with rib eyes and summer squash fried with onions and garlic. Improved steadily through the meal. In the end, a solid cab, tasting of Alexander Valley. Barnyard did not predominate, but was noticeable as we are both sensitive. That said, it was an integral element and made this a very enjoyable wine. My first serious 2011. Contrary to some popular opinions, some very fine wines were made then. $40 at NH liquor stores. I will buy a couple of more for aging.
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Outstanding balance with silky smooth flow from start to finish. Nice earthy note on the nose. Rich but not overpowering with nice blueberry note that continues through the long finish. Vanilla from the 70% New French Oak is prominent, but not distracting. Cocoa is also pronounced, but adds to the richness and Sonoma allure. Malbec adds some nice plum and herb, especially to the back-palate. 11% Malbec, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, & 1% Cab Franc. A wine that respects tradition.
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Drank over a 3 hour period. Deep purple color, good legs. Earthy when we first opened bottle but as I breathed, Fruit flavors kept coming out more and more.
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Deep, brooding, extracted reddish purple. Legs were thick and ran slow. On the nose and palate, big and powerful notes of blueberries, blackberries, black currants, coffee, dirt road dust, hot wet asphalt, and high quality milk chocolate, followed by cherries/cranberries on the finish. Oak is noticeable, but seems fairly well integrated to me at this point and is pleasureable. Not a tannic beast by any means, but there is plenty to keep this wine going along with good acidity to keep the rich palate balanced. Certainly drank this young but I had to know what was inside! Great purchase from costco at $34!!
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This brilliant Cabernet is goregeous and shimmering. She was decanted for three hours before much was revealed. Long and absolutely polsihed, with the acidity on the top of many layers. Plum sauce, roasted peanut, blackberry, weathered stone and dusted cherries; such a galloping finish. Drink 2018 - 2030.
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2/10/2024 - Ellenkf wrote: 89 Points
Fairly vinous on the nose: cigar ash, musty basement, along with voluptuous dark fruits: blackberry coulis , cassis. The palate is soft, tannins quite resolved and overripe black fruits, dark molasses, tobacco, an undercurrent of pencil without much grip. Missing is the structure of acid and tannin, and the usually recognizable sweet herbal/eucalyptic Alexander Valley note. Finish is long, alcohol is in balance, and remains deeply fruited.
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2/25/2023 - rikipedia Likes this wine: 92 Points
(Tasted Blind): Deep ruby colour with ripe blackcurrant flavours spice, with hints of vanilla and smoke.
The palate reveals an abundance of soft, creamy vanilla-infused black fruit flavours. A smooth and powdery texture leads to soft and nicely-extracted tannins. A forward, modern wine, there is a depth of flavour and complexity showing as a coffee, blackcurrant/cassis and chocolate undertone. It exhibits good length and development, still showing its youthful character with a twist of liquorice.
Cabernet led with Merlot and some Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
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11/30/2022 - Kayentacellars wrote: 90 Points
Drinking well, nice, balanced, full-bodied Cab with smooth tannins, rich dark fruit aromas and flavors, long finish.
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3/3/2021 - NavyVet6874 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good spot now, well balanced.
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1/8/2021 - golfwine wrote: 93 Points
This was one of my favorite Cali Cabs, back when I was drinking a ton of them. Also, why I generally preferred A.V. Cabs more than those from Napa. Problem has always been the limited number of producers and of ones made as well as Lancaster has been making them, for years. This bottle reminded me why. Amazing color and aromatics with good structure and restrained tannins, at just under its 10yr mark. Thoroughly enjoyed!
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8/30/2020 - EdKz@comcast.net Likes this wine: 93 Points
purple, full body; long legs, black berry chassis, coffee, good acid, nice resolving tannin, long finish, opened up nicely over 2 hours. good value @ $38
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5/2/2020 - BHwine wrote: 93 Points
In a great place right now and probably will not get any better. Very smooth tannin's and great secondary notes of eucalyptus and pine needles. fruits is nice and not the star of this one but very nice.
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3/12/2020 - triplefives wrote:
Drink this up because it doesn’t seem to have a lot of legs left. Fans of Malbec will like this as the integration of Malbec is Lancaster’s signature.
During a visit to the winery 2 years ago, an employee at the tasting room indicated the 2009s were going to be over the hill soon. The 2011 vintage - not being a spectacular one - means the drinking window is now.
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2/6/2020 - 2th-n-face-Dr Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was delicious. Cork showed no issues. Still tight initially but opened up well after about an hour decant. Well integrated tannins, good fruit with bright cherry notes. Never fell apart and only got better and better until it was gone. Displayed the super soft mouthfeel that I find typical of many Sonoma cabs. I would recommend drinking it now because it was so damn good, although it could probably sit a little bit longer...maybe a couple years. Wish I had more.
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1/13/2019 - suarezd wrote: 89 Points
The cork was a mess, but after few minutes some funk blew off, and a nice and balanced wine remained. Plenty of fruit and secondary characteristics. It went well with Round Table's King Arthur Supreme.
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7/29/2018 - timbobwhite Likes this wine:
Not rated. 2-1/2 hour double decant. Some sediment. No notes taken. We simply enjoyed! Full, rich, complex, notes of red cherry (as I recall). An excellent 2011 in spite of the vintage. Would be interested to see what these folks can do with a 'better' vintage.
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7/18/2017 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 91 Points
PNP. No notes taken. Good fruit and complexity. Seemed a bit lighter than last bottle but very good.
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11/14/2016 - EMichels wrote: 89 Points
LA Rookies at Colori Kitchen; 11/13/2016-11/14/2016 (Colori Kitchen - Los Angeles, CA): Straightforward Sonoma cab; Medium body; Ripe without being overripe; BT enjoyed more than I did - I found it lacking interest
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7/10/2016 - timbobwhite wrote: 93 Points
2 hour decant. Deep purple/red to edge. Initial nose of black fruit and vanilla oak. Tasted of oak, black fruit, meat and uh, cow shit? (not that there's anything wrong with that). A bit rustic with a nice tannic backbone. Long, lingering finish. Paired perfectly with rib eyes and summer squash fried with onions and garlic. Improved steadily through the meal. In the end, a solid cab, tasting of Alexander Valley. Barnyard did not predominate, but was noticeable as we are both sensitive. That said, it was an integral element and made this a very enjoyable wine. My first serious 2011. Contrary to some popular opinions, some very fine wines were made then. $40 at NH liquor stores. I will buy a couple of more for aging.
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2/27/2016 - EvanJB wrote:
This is actually a Meritage type Bordeaux blend with 76% CS, also CF, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot. Nice balanced bottle
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2/16/2016 - BoyBacchus wrote: 91 Points
Elegant, well-balanced tannins and acidity.
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2/14/2016 - juneau bob wrote:
Quite an elegant CS unlike many California fruit bombs.
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1/30/2016 - primality Likes this wine: 92 Points
Outstanding balance with silky smooth flow from start to finish. Nice earthy note on the nose. Rich but not overpowering with nice blueberry note that continues through the long finish. Vanilla from the 70% New French Oak is prominent, but not distracting. Cocoa is also pronounced, but adds to the richness and Sonoma allure. Malbec adds some nice plum and herb, especially to the back-palate. 11% Malbec, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, & 1% Cab Franc. A wine that respects tradition.
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12/14/2015 - Tednitka wrote: 91 Points
Excellent aroma per sfn
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11/14/2015 - Paradiso tasting Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drank over a 3 hour period. Deep purple color, good legs. Earthy when we first opened bottle but as I breathed, Fruit flavors kept coming out more and more.
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11/7/2015 - ESTEELE90 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep, brooding, extracted reddish purple. Legs were thick and ran slow. On the nose and palate, big and powerful notes of blueberries, blackberries, black currants, coffee, dirt road dust, hot wet asphalt, and high quality milk chocolate, followed by cherries/cranberries on the finish. Oak is noticeable, but seems fairly well integrated to me at this point and is pleasureable. Not a tannic beast by any means, but there is plenty to keep this wine going along with good acidity to keep the rich palate balanced. Certainly drank this young but I had to know what was inside! Great purchase from costco at $34!!
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10/30/2015 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 93 Points
This brilliant Cabernet is goregeous and shimmering. She was decanted for three hours before much was revealed. Long and absolutely polsihed, with the acidity on the top of many layers. Plum sauce, roasted peanut, blackberry, weathered stone and dusted cherries; such a galloping finish. Drink 2018 - 2030.
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