2011 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills
While I was iffy about the prior five bottles we opened since acquisition about two years ago, this bottle, the sixth and last, was totally on its game. Mint, dust, black cherry, dark chocolate and tobacco, it was terrific. Concentrated with perfect acidity and silky tannins. Best 2011 WA wine I've had and maybe the only one that drank like a good bottle from a good vintage. A PNW cabernet very well suited for Bordeaux palates. Did we drink the others too soon or was there that much bottle variation? Will never know. And it was followed by:
2014 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series Margaret River
After two duff prior bottles was glad to finally get the real deal: dust and mint adorn black cherry fruit. Striking resemblance to the wine from half a world away above, but this has just a bit more acidity and less depth as the younger wine. Some graphite and cigar wrapper are there too. Drinks well immediately though it improves in the glass and will gain depth with further aging.