2011 Favia Cerro Sur Red

The 2011 Cerro Sur has arrived at a plateau of maturity. There is still good energy and freshness, but the wine's mid-weight structure argues for drinking sooner rather than later. There are no green notes, but not a ton of complexity either. Red fruit, cedar and dried herbs linger nicely.

(a 68/32 blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon): Bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of currant, blackberry, licorice and musky coffee. Sweet, intense and sharply delineated, with captivating inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of currant, tobacco, licorice and spices. Finishes with serious tannic spine, a slight youthful dryness and a lingering note of raspberry.

The 2011 Cerro Sur is a little more savory than other recent vintages, but the personality of this site nevertheless comes through in spades. Espresso, grilled herbs, smoke, tobacco, graphite and dark plums all take shape in the glass. The 2011 stands out for its aromatic complexity, nuance and delineation. The tannins are a bit firm, but that should not be a problem in a few years. Next to the 2010, the 2011 is dark and more savory, but less floral. The 2011 is 72% Cabernet Franc and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon.