2011 Biserno

The 2011 Biserno is dark, round and supple with plenty of depth. Dark red and black fruit, smoke, tobacco and incense meld together in a broad, expansive wine endowed with tons of depth and volume. Although darker, richer and more concentrated then the Pino, the Biserno is not a better wine, just different in style. Far from an easygoing 2011, the Biserno is going to need time to fully blossom. I can't wait to see how this ages.

When I first reviewed this wine upon release back in 2014, I made a note of its overt ripeness and of the young vine age that could contribute to making that ripeness even more pronounced. Tasting this wine now, four years later, leads me to similar conclusions, although I must also remark on how nicely this estate blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot has come together and harmonized these past years. The 2011 Biserno no longer feels overtly ripe. Bottle evolution has helped to take off that sweet edge. However, what stands out most is the primary fruit that is still intact despite the hot vintage. I'm giving this edition the same score as 2012 but for different reasons. That wine is shy and subdued, and this one is exuberant and bold. Aug 2018, www.robertparker.com