2011 Wine from USA

Wine & Spirits, 92 points: My initial tasting note for this wine read “feral, sexy, dark, dark, dark.” That sums up this cassis-scented red from the Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval vineyards, a warm fruit compote of a wine with a dark leather fringe...

Connoisseur's Guide, 92 points: An exceptionally well-crafted wine, it may not bear a vineyard-designation, but it does boast exemplary balance and plenty of ripe apple fruitiness to go with the ever-present oaky richness that fills out its fairly...

Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: Plush and dusty, this splendid Merlot offers unusual depth and texture, even for Washington versions of the much-maligned grape. Along with black cherry fruit come highlights of herb and olive, spicy oak and rich earth...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: Even better, with another notch on the richness scale, the 2011 Authenticity boasts fabulous aromatics of creme de cassis, black raspberry, toasted bread, licorice and crushed flowers to go with a full-bodied, decadent...

Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: This Pinot is a full percentage point lower in alcohol by volume than the winery’s Russian River bottlings, and that shows in the delicacy of mouthfeel and crisp acidity. There’s nothing shy about the flavors, though...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: A brilliant wine, and one of the stars of the vintage, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection boasts aromas of blueberry pie, blackberries, cassis and white flowers. This full-bodied, velvety textured, delicious...

Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: 0 Bergfeld is named for the winery's historic owner and the land he originally planted around the winery in 1873. Given to old-world airs, the wine is chalky in black fruit, tobacco and mocha, as well as soft...

Vinous, 90 points: Bright, medium ruby-red. Aromas of plum, blackberry, spices, herbs and peppery licorice. Supple and nicely concentrated, with dark fruit and mocha flavors lifted but not overwhelmed by a peppery element. Has good ripeness...

Vinous, 90 points: Medium ruby-red. Musky aromas of currant, mocha, licorice and coffee bean. Concentrated and nicely ripe, with enticing sweetness to the currant, tobacco and mocha flavors. Just a touch of greenness here, but it's nicely...

Wine Enthusiast, 91 points: The 4% Petit Verdot in this dark, inky Cabernet Sauvignon is doing its job in terms of color and structure, adding much of both to the mix. Overall the wine is savory and full-bodied on the palate, with bits of spicy...

Vinous, 93 points: The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is the most overt of the 2011 Hall Cabernets I tasted. The essence of Stags Leap comes through in the wine's rich, blue/black fruit, graphite, white pepper, violet and...

Wine Enthusiast, 92 points: Good news for the growing legion of admirers of this young winery—production of the Gravura has more than doubled in this vintage. It’s a classy, sophisticated wine with a clear target—the style of wine made in the Graves...