More ripe, layered and textured, the 2011 Tapteil Vineyard is knockout stuff. Showing impressive black and blue fruits, wild herbs, underbrush and hints of flowers, it is full-bodied, concentrated and has plenty of sweet tannin and integrated acidity. Enjoy this beauty anytime over the coming decade or more. Winemaker Ben Smith continues to fashion classic, old school and age-worthy Bordeaux blends from his Seattle based winery. Focusing all on Red Mountain fruit, he has an entry level Coda cuvee, two regular releases (Ciel du Cheval and Tapteil Vineyard) and two reserve releases (Camerata and Bel Canto) that see additional time in barrel. Despite being the reserve wines, I find his other two single vineyard releases just as compelling. The 2012s are fantastic here and the wines show the purity and freshness of the vintage, yet have the classical, structured and savory feel that’s present in all of Ben’s wines.