2011 Outcast Cabernet Sauvignon $34.95

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2011 Outcast Cabernet Sauvignon $34.95

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The fruit from this exciting wine comes from 3 distinct parcels adjacent to some of the most famous growers in the St. Helena/Napa Valley areas.

2011 was a cool vintage that brought a very unique and restrained French-style Cabernet to the forefront, and we enhanced the flavor and extraction with 10% Petit Verdot from the same vineyards.

The 2011 Outcast Cabernet is rich in flavor with reminiscent Napa Valley gaminess that speaks of the general terrior profile of the area.  Extracted and dark in color (for such a cool vintage), coupled with an interesting nose of bright fruit, this cabernet is definitely something interesting to observe.

Leave it in the glass and the bouquet will tempt you with wild blueberry jam and a dark toasted index cherry nose.  Elegant and supple texture on the palate, with primary fruit flavors of cherries, currants, herbs and dark chocolate. 

Soft, silky tannins will grip you after a few sips, but on attack are barely discernible as most old-world Napa Valley cabernet wines are back in the 1980’s and 1990’s (a time when Napa Valley was put on the map after the tasting of Paris).  This wine is well-structured and culminates in a long and satisfying finish.

Enjoy the 2011 Outcast St. Helena Cabernet every night of the week or laydown for a few years to further enhance it layers.  Pair with roasted spice lamb, seared venison, or a nice steak.”

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Level: 13.9%
Cases Produced: 360
Winemaker Name: Bruce Devlin
Maturity: Drink Now – 2021

Pairings:  Roasted/Grilled/BBQ, Beef, Lamb, Venison or Pork Tenderloin, Hard Cheese – Manchengo, Pecorino, Black Pepper

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Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – WOW…April wine club members have we found an incredible wine for you….and don’t just like at your receipt!  Spring/Summer obviously brings warmer temps which puts you in the mood for pinot noir, gamay or even grenache!  That said, when the WEBER is grilling you might find yourself in need of a well-balanced, food-friendly cab sauv…which the 2011 Outcast (100%) Cabernet Sauvignon fits the bill!

This limited-produced St. Helena Cabernet should not be over-looked because of the bad rap 2011 received as a vintage within the Napa Valley.  This is one of those diamonds in the rough, that offers incredible dark berry flavors, cocoa and gentle tannins that will satisfy the palate of almost any wine drinker from novice-to-collector.  That said, I believe this wine is in its “comfort zone” and should be consumed within the next 3 years.  Cheers!

 

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