2011 Hossfeld Coliseum
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Tasting notes
(14.9% alcohol; 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon, aged for 18 months in all-new Taransaud and Darnajou barrels): Good full red-ruby. Aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate, minerals, spices and sassafras. Supple and dense but also juicy and nicely delineated, with a hint of menthol to its sweet red berry and spice flavors. Strong for the vintage: this has turned out well. The fruit was harvested at 26.6 degrees Brix but the finished pH is a relatively low 3.51, with sound acidity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Carter Cellars’ 2011s include the 2011 Proprietary Red Hossfeld Coliseum, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. I was shocked to see this was a 2011 as it was extremely rich, ripe, textured and complete. An impressive effort for the vintage, it confirms that great winemaking can transcend challenging vintages. For a number of years, this has been one of most impressive portfolios in Napa Valley, and as one might expect, the 2010s are outrageous offerings. Tel. (707) 445-0311
(blended with 20% merlot): Bright, saturated ruby-red. Black cherry, licorice, brown spices, black pepper and a faintly weedy quality on the nose. Sweet red berry and spice flavors show a medicinal menthol aspect. Today the wine's acids and tannins are a bit spiky. This is 14.5+% alcohol but comes across as a tad brutal in its present form.