2011 Dana Estates "Lotus Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU #1192774
94 points
James Suckling
Enticing nose melds redcurrant, cherry, anise, milk chocolate and a floral element. Suave, sweet and graceful, showing a lovely sugar/acid balance to the red fruit, mineral and sexy oak flavors. Boasts sneaky flavor intensity and subtle length, finishing with smoother tannins than the Helms. A very successful, refined 2011 cabernet.
(5/2014)
94 points
Vinous
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is a wine of pure texture. Soft, seamless and gracious, the 2011 has no hard edges and hugely attractive, layered personality. Juicy red berries, menthol, licorice, cloves and vanillin flesh out on the generous, inviting finish. Today, the Lotus is the most accessible of Dana's 2011. The 2011 Lotus was fermented in a combination of oak and cement tanks, after which it spent 20 months in oak. The average time of maceration was 43 days, very long for the year and also longer than the other 2011s here. (AG)
(11/2013)
92 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Enticing nose melds redcurrant, cherry, anise, milk chocolate and a floral element. Suave, sweet and graceful, showing a lovely sugar/acid balance to the red fruit, mineral and sexy oak flavors. Boasts sneaky flavor intensity and subtle length, finishing with smoother tannins than the Helms. A very successful, refined 2011 cabernet. (ST)
(5/2014)
90 points
Wine Spectator
Fairly massive, with deep, rich fruit and ample tannins. The core flavors are centered on currant, plum and blackberry. Cedary oak and crushed rock loaminess are evident on the chewy finish. Best from 2016 through 2025. 308 cases made. (JL)
(11/2014)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Not surprisingly, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard (308 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged 20 months in new French oak) is a lighter style, but it is a successful effort from this vineyard’s decomposed, rocky, volcanic soils. Well-made with no herbaceousness, it offers pretty blueberry and raspberry flavors intertwined with wet rocks, spring flowers and background oak. Bottled early to preserve its fruit, it should be enjoyed over the next 10+ years. (RP)
(10/2013)
