2011 Bryant Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The softer, lighter 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill reveals no hint of herbaceousness. It offers lots of red and black currants intertwined with hints of blueberry liquor, fewer floral notes, and attractive, medium-bodied, juicy fruit that provides allure as well as opulence.

Good dark red. Pungent if ultimately reticent scents of black fruits, licorice and menthol, along with a classic Naphtha Valley note. Juicy and tight, even youthfully clenched, and a shock to the palate following the '10 and '09 vintages here. This distinctly austere, low-fat version is an outlier in this line-up and will need extended aging to express itself. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and attractive floral lift. (ST) 91+