2011 Futo Oakville Estate

The 2011 Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. It offers sweet blackcurrant and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of toast and white flowers, beautiful body and a savory personality. A top success for the vintage, it should drink well for 10-12 years.

(74% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc, 9% petit verdot and 6% merlot): Bright, fresh medium ruby. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice, coffee, minerals, smoke and peat are lifted by a violet topnote. Brisk acidity gives shape and lift to the intense blackberry, cassis and spice flavors ("the grapes began with a lot of malic acidity in 2011," noted winemaker Jason Exposto). A juicy, intense midweight with good definition and a light touch. But still an infant today, and in need of six to eight years for its tannins to be absorbed. The cabernet was picked in October, but the other three varieties came in by the end of September, before the problematic rains began. This has turned out very well, having benefited from the coolness of the year.

The 2011 Futo jumps from the glass with juicy dark cherries, plums, cloves, menthol and licorice. I don't expect the 2011 will age as long or as gracefully as some of the other surrounding vintages, but I can't imagine that being an issue at all, as the wine is so breathtaking in its beauty. Hints of cinnamon, orange peel and white pepper add considerable nuance and layers of flavor on the close. Winemaker Jason Exposto did a fabulous job here. The 2011 is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot.