2012 Outpost Immigrant True Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Immigrant, Outpost's Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, is another juicy, up-front wine with tons of near and medium term potential. Ample, rich and broad, the 2012 boasts superb depth and concentration. Dark blue and black-hued fruits open up on the mid-palate and finish, while a huge, super-ripe finish rounds things out. I imagine the 2012 will provide a wide window of drinking pleasure once it softens a touch.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 True Vineyard Immigrant, a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 28% Merlot aged 20 months in two-thirds new French oak, offers notes of forest floor, mulberries, black cherries, blackcurrants and unsmoked cigar tobacco. With sweet tannin, and a deep, broad, savory, medium to full-bodied style, this pure, sexy red can be enjoyed over the next 5-8 years.
(a new Bordeaux blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot; the estate previously sold off its cabernet sauvignon and merlot in bulk): Ruby-red. Highly complex, scented nose combines blackberry, tar, sage, licorice and flowers. At once pliant and juicy, offering superb intensity and inner-mouth lift to the flavors of black fruits, tar, violet and bitter chocolate. The serious, dusty, chocolatey tannins arrive late, allowing the wine to open out on the finish. I love the floral complexity and light touch brought by the franc. A blend to follow.
The 2012 Immigrant True Vineyard is a big step up from the 2011. Espresso, mocha, mint, wild flowers and plums all meld together in a rich, voluptuous, totally seamless wine loaded with personality. All the elements fall into place nicely in the glass. Given the success of the 2011, Outpost decided to add a few of their better Cabernet blocks to the 2012, which is one of the reasons this wine is so striking. This is a great showing for the Immigrant in just its second vintage. In 2012, the Immigrant's blend is 38% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Cabernet Franc.