Admittedly, a small sampling to make a vintage call from (and a tasty one at that!).
But just from the above, 2011 strikes me as an early drinking vintage. They already show more aromatic complexity than expected and the tannins are much less discernible than either the 2009’s or 2010’s were on release. While quite flavorful, they’re also extremely accessible and show that “mellow” quality you’d find more from a wine that has a bit of age on it.
So to answer my own question, imho 2011 is the earliest drinking vintage in CA since 2004. And unlike 2004, the 2011’s aren’t early drinkers because of flabbiness, they actually show a very elegant profile, just with less structure than the previous 2 vintages (and most others).
Beyond that, I’ve read that 2011 wasn’t the best vintage for CA as a whole…and yeah, that might be true, but it’s also another example of why buying from your favorite producers is what always matters more than vintage in the end. And now I’m stoked to try more 2011’s…which is definitely gonna happen in the near term!
Alright CA Berserkers, what say you of 2011 so far?? Would love to hear some impressions!
While I haven’t been brave enough to open any '11 Cab, Syrah or Rhone, I have really enjoyed many '11 Pinot and I think that is earlier than with other vintages.
Would be interested to know which producers chose against dropping much fruit, instead choosing to make wines truer to the vintage with higher acidity.
If anything, the vintage has been so lowly rated that the wines are easier for folks to just drink without as much worry about their value.
Alex, I think you are correct. Having an early drinking vintage at our disposal is not the worse thing.
From you list, I have had the last two, the Myriad and the Quivet. I own both and they are beautiful wines. Also one of Mike Smith’s 2011s to watch is the Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon; I remember his 2010 last year and this one outshines it leaps and bounds; it has picked up some complexity and focus and stopped being just a Cab. Keep in mind I am liking a 2011 over the 2010 counterpart.
According to CT, I have opened (and I know I enjoyed) the following 2011 Pinot:
2011 Failla Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2011 Holdredge Pinot Noir Bucher
2011 Siduri Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills
2011 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
2011 Zepaltas Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Plus, I previewed and really liked most of the 2011 Sojourn line-up, particularly the Wohler, Silver Eagle, Sangiacomo, Ridgetop and Sonoma Coast. I know I posted notes but could not find them readily.
Agree with you on the 2011s - I’ve had the Quivet Cabernet Pellet and a few various Bedrock syrahs and zins, and found all of them fairly approachable now, with the Quivet possibly at the front of that pack.
Yeah, a very good thing while the previous vintages rest
Mike’s wines are always so beautiful. Thx for the tip on Scarlett!
I’m definitely looking forward to opening a Pellet soon! Oddly enough, I found the Bedrock 2011’s to be generally much less forgiving…but then again, he releases his wines soooo young. I’ve got a bunch, so perhaps time to check in on one!
2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Martinelli Road
2011 Carlisle Syrah James Berry
The JBV Syrah was an accidental pull, but we decided to roll with it. It needed more air to open up, but after a good 30-40 minutes some nice, earthy dark fruits started to show. Was fun, but definitely less approachable than the 2011 Zin’s.
And speaking of, the Martinelli Road was just beautiful. Picked a really nice impression of minerals with air, and the perfume on the nose was just gorgeous. These 2011 Carlisle Zin’s are sooooo good right now!!
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