Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasnt until the 1970s that this marriage came to light sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stags Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignons structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soilas a perfect example, Rutherfords famous dust or Stags Leap District‘s tart cherry flavors.
Rutherford Ranch 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
You now have FREE access to nearly 300,000 wine, beer and spirit reviews. Cheers!
Adding small amounts of Merlot and Petite Sirah, this red is juicy, approachable and thick in dark-black fruit, firm tannin and toasted oak. Virginie Boone
All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.
Rutherford Ranch 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
I know what I just said about not often being in the mood for a Cabernet Sauvignon. Maybe its the temperament of the times, or maybe because tis the season to rosé all day and sip white wine on the porch, and Im nothing if not a wine rebel. Hah. Anyway, the mood struck me for a classic Cabernet. And by classic, I mean a wine that is in keeping with its varietal character, in keeping with the stylistic expectations of the regionand so not fancy. Because, Friday, you know? Well, thats when I reach for good old reliable Rutherford Ranch estate Cabernet.
About the Wine: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon 8% Merlot 3% Petite Sirah 1% Malbec 1% Petit Verdot
12 months in mixed French and American oak
14.5% ABV
Flavor Profile:
Appearance: medium garnet
Aroma: Medium aromas of rose, blackberry, black cherry, toast/char, tomato leaf, black currant, black plum, a hint of coffee, and a subtle hint of tobacco
Palate: The plate is dry with high alcohol, medium tannins, medium body, and medium acid. The flavor intensity is also medium with flavors including those aromas mentioned above, but enhancing both the toasty/charry/woody notes and the tobacco-ish notes as well as adding a bit of chocolate and a touch of prune.
The finish was medium in length
Im still developing my tasting skills here
Recommended Reading: Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Family vineyards. Three generations. Napa Valley winery a vineyards. Rutherford Ranch winery is family owned and managed. We are located on Napa Valley’s historic Silverado Trail, surrounded by estate vineyards and a century-old olive grove. We source fruit from diverse Napa Valley microclimates and join distinctive lots to create complex, elegant wines that reflect true varietal character and the valley’s extraordinary terroit. Aromas of boysenberry and currant along with toasty caramel and berryflavors make this an ideal companion to hearty meals, rich cheeses and chocolate desserts. rutherfordranch.com. Please visit us at rutherfordranch.com. Alc. 14.5% by vol. 29 Produced & Bottled by Rutherford Ranch, St. Helena CA.
Contains: Contains sulfites.,Government Warning: According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search
Best Books of the Year
Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world & dash a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.
The Financial Times of London
There are very few people in the wine world who “get it” and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.
Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Wine Grapes
Wine & Vintage Details
Tasting Note
The wine is dense, strong and robust, while being supported and balanced with a line of acidity providing great weight and roundness. All leading to a firm, powerful finish with great density, black pepper notes and spice.
Vintage Note
The 2017 vintage in the Napa Valley was smaller yielding but high in quality. The region enjoyed much needed rain during the winter months ending the drought. A short period of warmer than usual temperatures during Labor Day weekend accelerated harvest for early ripening grapes varieties, resulting in an intense and, at times, unpredictable harvest. Though yields were lower than usual, the wines show exceptional flavor intensity and conditions were perfect for producing a Cabernet with beautiful fruit as well as tremendous concentration of flavors, highly saturated color, and layers of complexity.
