Cimarossa

Riva di Ponente Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.414 ratings
9.36 pro ratings
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.4

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve said this, but this is another example of a 2011 vintage Napa cab that is just absolutely superb! I’ve had a few 2011 Cimarossa offerings and each one has been a highlight of the vintage. At pop and pour, I couldn’t believe the profile this was showing...it reminded me of a Ridge Montebello aromatically, as if I had tasted this blind I would have called some use of American oak wrapped in truly elegant black cherries, black currant, and savory herbs de Provence spices. The longer it was open the more it gained power, adding notes of dark chocolate, bay leaf, Cimarossa’s signature red clay and black plum with a big flavor packed dark berry pie tannic finish. Bravo!

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve said this, but this is another example of a 2011 vintage Napa cab that is just absolutely superb! I’ve had a few 2011 Cimarossa offerings and each one has been a highlight of the vintage. At pop and pour, I couldn’t believe the profile this was showing...it reminded me of a Ridge Montebello aromatically, as if I had tasted this blind I would have called some use of American oak wrapped in truly elegant black cherries, black currant, and savory herbs de Provence spices. The longer it was open the more it gained power, adding notes of dark chocolate, bay leaf, Cimarossa’s signature red clay and black plum with a big flavor packed dark berry pie tannic finish. Bravo!

Jan 2nd, 2020
Tobin Trevarthen

Incredible. West end was the best of their four pours. Small producer.

Incredible. West end was the best of their four pours. Small producer.

Jun 21st, 2015
Jerry Hindes CS, CSW

Would love to try this in 9 or 14 more years. Started of pretty tight and gripping but after 5 hours it really opened up and started to express subtle nuances in the making.

Would love to try this in 9 or 14 more years. Started of pretty tight and gripping but after 5 hours it really opened up and started to express subtle nuances in the making.

Jan 30th, 2015
Tracy Hall

Nice! Needs time, but my favorite 2011 so far

Nice! Needs time, but my favorite 2011 so far

Aug 20th, 2014
Tracy Hall

This is the best 2011 I have had!

This is the best 2011 I have had!

Jul 22nd, 2014
Tracy Hall

Riva de Ponente

Riva de Ponente

Apr 13th, 2014
Mark Flesher

Opened tonight. And, I feel like a broken record saying that here is ANOTHER great 2011 considering the "damned vintage" that this one received press for being. I have 43 more 2011 Napa wines and I have a feeling that I'm going to be writing the same thing another 43 times. Not powerful, but these wines truly show the complexity that Napa cab CAN be. Nose of iodine, black licorice. Very front of this wine is sweeter black cherry giving way to an herbal infused middle (getting more dried basil with a hint of oregano and cumin). The red clay terroir is unmistakably present here through the middle and finish, which is usually more present for Ponente only at the very finish. The wine finishes with black cherry and black licorice dominated notes. I have a feeling that this wine is still on the way up. Has a few more years until it is at the top of the hill, but drinking OH SO WELL right now.

Opened tonight. And, I feel like a broken record saying that here is ANOTHER great 2011 considering the "damned vintage" that this one received press for being. I have 43 more 2011 Napa wines and I have a feeling that I'm going to be writing the same thing another 43 times. Not powerful, but these wines truly show the complexity that Napa cab CAN be. Nose of iodine, black licorice. Very front of this wine is sweeter black cherry giving way to an herbal infused middle (getting more dried basil with a hint of oregano and cumin). The red clay terroir is unmistakably present here through the middle and finish, which is usually more present for Ponente only at the very finish. The wine finishes with black cherry and black licorice dominated notes. I have a feeling that this wine is still on the way up. Has a few more years until it is at the top of the hill, but drinking OH SO WELL right now.

Mar 9th, 2019
Mark Flesher

From the "damned" 2011 vintage comes this 95 point Mia Klein wine from Cimarossa. Nose of dark chocolate, black licorice, and walnuts. Entry is thick, reductive, dark black fruit, plum, sweeter front. Middle is dominated by chocolate and hints of spice. Tannic finish has softened somewhat but still more on the stiff than resolved side. A little herbal notes on the finish. Nice acidity and great balance. Held back on giving this a 96 for some reason, but I still don't think this one is at the top. Thankfully getting some reinforcements on Friday!

From the "damned" 2011 vintage comes this 95 point Mia Klein wine from Cimarossa. Nose of dark chocolate, black licorice, and walnuts. Entry is thick, reductive, dark black fruit, plum, sweeter front. Middle is dominated by chocolate and hints of spice. Tannic finish has softened somewhat but still more on the stiff than resolved side. A little herbal notes on the finish. Nice acidity and great balance. Held back on giving this a 96 for some reason, but I still don't think this one is at the top. Thankfully getting some reinforcements on Friday!

Oct 23rd, 2018
Ben Madonna

Had at the Winery on November 19th. Was great then and still great when we finished the bottle on November 24th.

Had at the Winery on November 19th. Was great then and still great when we finished the bottle on November 24th.

Nov 25th, 2017
Katherine Blatz

2011 vintage. Opened December 16, 2016. Howell Mountain Cab. Sav. Riva di Ponente apparently translates to "steep bank where the sun sets". The black volcanic rock soil on this 1.4 acre block comes through....fullness, smokey, a bit of pepper notes. Still soft enough to drink without food but it is A great steak wine!

2011 vintage. Opened December 16, 2016. Howell Mountain Cab. Sav. Riva di Ponente apparently translates to "steep bank where the sun sets". The black volcanic rock soil on this 1.4 acre block comes through....fullness, smokey, a bit of pepper notes. Still soft enough to drink without food but it is A great steak wine!

Dec 17th, 2016