Arkenstone
Obsidian Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Fantastic example of what 2011 Napa wines can be when done right. No green ness whatsoever. Opened at the Arkenstone harvest party today.
Fantastic example of what 2011 Napa wines can be when done right. No green ness whatsoever. Opened at the Arkenstone harvest party today.
1 person found it helpfulNov 2nd, 2014
Man this took forever to open up, but when it did, it was pretty darn good. I put this in the decanter for 6 hours - at first check after an hour I was worried as it was pretty closed. On hour three it started showing signs of life but still wasn't there. I think it could still improve with more time in the cellar or decanter. Deep ruby red in color, the glass explodes with fruit, oak and tea aromas. On the palate the tannins are strong and even after 6 plus hours still overpowered the fruit for a bit. Dark red and blue fruits hit you on the palate followed by some vanilla and spices. This is medium bodied with some acidity. This should be held or decanted longer than 6 hours. While this is good, the 10 and 12 vintages are much better than this IMO.
Man this took forever to open up, but when it did, it was pretty darn good. I put this in the decanter for 6 hours - at first check after an hour I was worried as it was pretty closed. On hour three it started showing signs of life but still wasn't there. I think it could still improve with more time in the cellar or decanter. Deep ruby red in color, the glass explodes with fruit, oak and tea aromas. On the palate the tannins are strong and even after 6 plus hours still overpowered the fruit for a bit. Dark red and blue fruits hit you on the palate followed by some vanilla and spices. This is medium bodied with some acidity. This should be held or decanted longer than 6 hours. While this is good, the 10 and 12 vintages are much better than this IMO.
Jan 21st, 2017
Wonderful wine! Superior balance, incredible layers of dark red and black fruits that are very well intertwined with mineral and barrel tones. Balanced, beautiful and not over bearing. Not a lean wine but not a fat wine either.
Wonderful wine! Superior balance, incredible layers of dark red and black fruits that are very well intertwined with mineral and barrel tones. Balanced, beautiful and not over bearing. Not a lean wine but not a fat wine either.
Apr 8th, 2015
Working backwards on a library set 2006 to 2011. Want to see the nuances and differences from recent years when Sam Kaplan had more time to work his magic. (Will be there in a month to see it all in person, and we are looking forward to experiencing the magic in person.) This wine was the hit of the night with its controlled tanins and oak, getting good complexity and great balance as it opened up in the decanter. Medium high viscosity and a deep violet color.
Working backwards on a library set 2006 to 2011. Want to see the nuances and differences from recent years when Sam Kaplan had more time to work his magic. (Will be there in a month to see it all in person, and we are looking forward to experiencing the magic in person.) This wine was the hit of the night with its controlled tanins and oak, getting good complexity and great balance as it opened up in the decanter. Medium high viscosity and a deep violet color.
Sep 18th, 2016
