A generous, deeply-fruited wine touched with eucalyptus-mint in the nose and craving attention, the earthiness smeared on deep cherry elixir shining through on both palate and bouquet. Spicy and bright, the tannin grinding in early to final rusty aplomb, the swell of complexity memorable throughout. This is PURE Napa Valley–absolute perfection. Top-to-bottom an oustanding wine from a nay-sayer’s vintage. I hope you bought all you could find. I did. It’s got decades to go.

2011 FREEMARK ABBEY Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 13.5

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