TN: 2008 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon Quixote Vineyard

WINE TALK
1

Every couple of months I meet up with my friend Ray Ormand and slow down to enjoy a leisurely lunch. I know Ray is a big fan of Mr Pott and I can fully understand why upon opening this bottle. Last time we met he treated me to a 2007 Virage, also made by Aaron, which I LOVED. Today I bring a 2002 Quintessa, knowing this Pott wine would add to the seemingly ongoing, but unplanned theme: It was CORKED! Luckily, my back-up plan was this Pott wine; a wine which I had actually just traded with Ray for, and had the Quintessa rocked, this would be in my cellar right now and I would not be typing this little diddy. Well plan B it was. Upon opening this was fragrant and gorgeous. I know I made the right choice and not bring a back-up bottle…


  • 2008 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon Quixote Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (4/1/2011)
    Super purple tinged and beautiful. A nose of pure cassis, black cherry Kirsch with pomegranate. A full and round mouth feel that never comes close to even resembling anything overbearing. Pure and focused, more textural than layered now. In 5 or 6 years this could be a perfect rendition of a Stags Leap Napa Cabernet, and at least able to compete with SHS. There is an intense presence that beckons your attention. Some very pretty floral notes run the length; this really is an awesome bottle of wine; structure, grace, poise and breed all wrapped in a near perfect package. Deep and luxurious with fine tannins and a perfect lilty balance. A finish that goes for minutes.

There are times when people have asked me what I like in my Cabs; I would love to have a few dozen 187ml bottles of this for them to pop and see for themselves, as this really does have it all. I used the word beautiful no fewer than 6 times at the table while sampling this over lunch. If this is further indication, I am going to love the 2008 vintage in Napa. (95 pts.)

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On a more important note: Congratulations to Ray for the new addition to his family— a beautiful baby boy. (ok, seven ‘beautifuls’)

2

I have a couple, thanks. Tasted it last year at the Pott party in November, also loved it. Such lively, dark fruit, great acidity, beautifully made. This is what Napa Cab is supposed to be :slight_smile:
Cheers

3

Is this your favorite of the 2008 lineup? How does it compare to the others?

All mine have been put away off site to keep my hands off them.

Chris

4

I have been drinking some good 08 cabs too, and it seems that many on this board are loving 08’s over 07’s.

5

I would be one of them for sure.

6

Gonna be a good year. (+1) [snort.gif]
(No ‘collapse’ in sight…whew!)

7

I remember a year and a half ago, after I tasted the Actaeon out of barrel, I thought it was the best Stags Leap Cab made from the District after Shafer Hillside. I think that is probably still true. But it is not really like a HSS stylistically, it is more like an Stags Leap “Fay” from 1987 or 91. It was after Carl Doumani of Quixote tasted Aaron’s 08 Actaeon from his vineyard that he hired Aaron to make Quixote.

Also, this might be the most “ready” of his 08 Cabs, imho, due to it’s “weight.” But it can still use 3 hours opened.

8

Yes, beautifully made and miles away from overbearing. Like all the Pott wines I have tasted it is immediately likeable. I really can’t add anything to Mike’s notes, though I second his frustration with those who stereotype CA Cab as being over the top and oak burdened. This well balanced Cabernet is pure sophisticated pleasure.

While I have a little bit of guilt sharing a wine I just traded, I am delighted that we drank it. When my grandson was born I had a cold and was not able to open something as a true celebration. This, then, is my official celebration wine. I, too, have a hands-off stance when it comes to Pott wines so it was a great and unexpected treat to enjoy this today.

Thanks again Mike.

Ray

9

For me this was easily my favorite of the '08 cabs that I tried at his open house of sorts. And yes I am also a bigger fan of '08 than '07 cabs.

Jeff Ames

10

Liked them all, but I think I did like the kali-somethingorother and the Nerdua even more. The Kali had a notch more depth and intensity, and the Neruda really grabbed me in the mid-palate. But it’s picking nits, they are all wonderful wines.

11

I think it may be split, some love the 07’s while others love the 08’s. I am one not make generalizations of a whole vintage from the selection of wines I have tried from said vintage.

There are wines I like from from a particular producer in 2008 over 2007 and vice versa.

BTW, nice note on the Pott Mike, sounds awesome! The only one I have had was at a Beserkerfest and it was the 07 Arsenal IIRC; killer stuff.

12

Yup, it was the '07 Arsenal.

13

Aaron’s 2008s are all pretty awesome. Having tried 20+ cabs from the 08 vintage (from the likes of Mssrs. Pott, Biagi, TRB, etc.), I think it might be the best vintage I have ever tried, different than 2007, similar to 2001 but broader.

14

I only have one bottle each of these wines (I have not had a Pott wine yet), are any ready to go or would I be better off waiting?

2008 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok Kicu Ma
2007 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Neruda
2008 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal Greer Vineyard
2008 Pott Wine Carignane Pour Ma Gueule Alfred Frediani Vineyard
2007 Pott Wine St. Ralph The Liar White Cottage Ranch

15

I am one not make generalizations of a whole vintage from the selection of wines I have tried from said vintage.

I am. newhere

16

I totally agree with you guys 08’s all the way not to say the 07’s were not good. Just wait till the 2009’s Sonoma County pivots are released I gave tried dozens and I think that thu should eclipse the 07’s.