Whitehall Lane 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Whitehall Lane is a small, family owned winery in Napa Valley's historic Rutherford appellation. Owning approximately 140 acres of prime Valley-floor vineyards including the Leonardini Vineyard in St. Helena and are committed to making the finest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2011 fruit was hand sorted and fermented in small lots at an average of 85°F with gentle pump-overs forexcellent flavor and color extraction. The wine was aged in a combination of French and American oakbarrels for 18 months and blended to attain balance. Merlot increased softness on the mid-palate whileMalbec added texture and additional layers of ripe flavors to the wine.

Alcohol: 14.2%

91 POINTS - "Full-bodied with a deep red hue, the wine features enchanting aromas of ripe red berries, dark fruits, savory spices, earth, tobacco and toasted walnuts. On the palate, the concentrated flavors of dark cherry, black raspberry, cranberry, cassis, wild sage and mulling spice are balanced with smooth texture, elegant tannins, firm structure, and a persistent finish. Deep, rich and luxurious, it’s a sophisticated wine from the first sip to the last." - Chris Sawyer

90 POINTS - "Ripe aromas of dark fruits, fresh meat and toasty notes. Sleek attack-polished and poised yet very tannic, but the tannins are fine grained. Super-concentrated but not heavy. Has good potential and ample complexity." - Decanter

This 2011 Cabernet is beautifully balanced with generous fruit, ample structure and wonderful depth. The wine offers ripe cherry, currant, vanilla and sandalwood aromas and flavors. It is long and supplewith mid-palate richness and pleasing tannins that makes early drinking a pleasure but will continue toage for another four to seven years.