2012 Pott "Her Majesty's Secret Service Stagecoach Vineyard", "Kaliholmanok - Kicu Ma" & "The Arsenal - Greer Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 3-Bottle Tasting Lot

“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok Kicu Me Vineyard (the name of the indigenous Wappo native Americans who lived on top of Spring Mountain) possesses plenty of blueberry, black raspberry and spring flower characteristics. It comes from geologically diverse soils with lots of the red Aiken dirt present. A full-bodied, layered mouthfeel as well as tremendous density and purity are found in this sensational Cabernet. (RP) 95+” (10/2014)

“Next to some of the other wines in this range, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok comes across as a bit delicate and understated. Grilled herbs, tobacco, smoke and mint all add nuance, but overall the Kaliholmanok has a tough time matching the intensity and complexity of the best wines in this range. (AG)” (12/2014)

“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal is a real stunner. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. Mocha, sweet herbs and new leather are laced together in a dramatic wine that brings together voluptuous texture, structure and pure power. The vivid, racy finish is a thing of beauty. This is a fabulous showing from Aaron Pott. (AG)” (12/2014)

“Aaron Pott’s affection for English soccer is found in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal Greer Vineyard, a two-acre site on Manley Lane sandwiched between two prodigious producers, Scarecrow and Staglin. This is pure, gravel-dominated, loose, loamy soil. This spectacular Cabernet boasts an opaque purple color, abundant aromas of pen ink, damp, sweet red dirt, rich blackcurrants, licorice and cedarwood. Opulent, full-bodied and irresistible already, this is a sensational, complex, multidimensional Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15-20 years. (RP)” (10/2014)

“Deliciously rich and juicy, with a plush, supple texture that lets the blackberry, black currant and plum flavors flow freely. Tightens on the finish, where mocha and black licorice notes emerge. (JL)” (11/2015)

“Searing tannins and layers of pure blue/blackish fruit make a very positive first impression in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Her Majesty's Secret Service. Naturally the tannins need time to soften, but in a vintage in which wines can lack structure, a little bit of spine is a very good thing. Graphite, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance as the flavors build to a dizzying crescendo of intensity. (AG)” (12/2014)

“Marked by a pronounced mocha and dark chocolate core, with dark berry flavors. The tannins are deep and chewy, showing accents of espresso, sage and cedar. (JL)” (11/2015)

“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Her Majesty’s Secret Service is another offering from Dr. Krupp’s Stagecoach Vineyard. It exhibits chocolaty, cedary, fruitcake notes, not the density and power of Pott’s other Cabernet Sauvignons, but good spice box and unsmoked cigar tobacco characteristics. Medium to full-bodied and slightly tannic, it is a beautiful wine that I may have underrated. (RP)” (10/2014)