The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the truly exceptional wines of the vintage. As I worked through this series of retrospective tastings, I had hoped to find at least one wine like this. A truly epic 2011. When I tasted the Mayacamas Cabernet, I knew I had found it. Deep, potent and massively constituted, the 2011 possesses tremendous richness and pure power, all within the classical framework that is such a Mayacamas signature. Dark fruit, lavender crushed rocks, menthol and sage build as this explosive Cabernet shows off its pedigree. The 2011 is the last vintage Bob Travers made at Mayacamas (although it was blended and bottled by the current team). It is very clearly one of the wines of this challenging and misunderstood vintage, as well as a fitting testament to his legacy. Harvest stretched into late October and early November. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022)
— 3 years ago
Tar and light. Good acidity. Easy to drink. Might give a little chill next time.
Bought at Winey Neighbor — 3 years ago
Nose of ripe red fruits plus black plum. Obvious whole bunch influence. Fruit influence has diminished a little since previous tasting but there was some fruit sweetness when tasting at the end of the.palate and the bottle. Kiwi expert Bob Campbell MW was very impressed and said “the best Ata Rangi I’ve tasted “ when he tasted it in June 2016. — 7 months ago
Deep red/purple color. Aromas of red berries/cherries, pomegranate, leather, purple flowers and cloves. More blackberry fruit on the pallet with hints of tomato, black pepper and vanilla. Bright, juicy and crunchy. Tannins are nicely balanced with the refreshing acidity. Love this varietal! Thank you Bob and Jess! — 2 years ago
Friday night bottle # 3 — 3 years ago
Birth year treat from Bob T. — a year ago
See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — a year ago
At the Downs Club Magnum dinner on Wednesday night. This was the mystery wine. Probably New Zealand’s most iconic wine according to Bob Campbell MW. A lovely nose of cassis, dark fruits and spice. M plus intensity of aroma. Elegant rather than a blockbuster - great balance with controlled power. Tempted to buy some and cellar it for 10 years plus. 98 points from Bob Campbell MW. — 3 years ago
Bob McDonald
The colour is a quite pale Ruby. Red fruited (cherry) aromatics with Sous Bois. Light to medium bodied but with M plus intensity. As Bob Campbell MW said this wine has good vinosity (or Pinosity if you prefer). Pinots like this and Ata Rangi, both from Martinborough , challenge the Pinot dominance of Central Otago and Canterbury in New Zealand. — 2 months ago