Cask (2003)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, showcasing deep black currant flavors and refined tannins.
About this wine
This 2003 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford offers a rich and elegant experience, with deep black currant flavors complemented by polished tannins. The wine presents an explosion of char and vanilla, adding complexity to its profile. Crafted entirely from estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, it reflects the unique terroir of Rutherford, known for producing some of Napa Valley's finest wines. The wine's structure and balance suggest it has aged gracefully, maintaining its depth and character over the years.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in France in the 17th century from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, has become one of the world's most recognized red wine grapes. Its thick skins and hardy vines make it well-suited to various climates, including the Rutherford region of Napa Valley. In Rutherford, the unique 'Rutherford Dust'—a term coined to describe the area's distinctive soil composition—imparts a characteristic earthy flavor to the grapes. This terroir, combined with the region's warm days and cool nights, allows Cabernet Sauvignon to develop deep, complex flavors, contributing to the production of high-quality wines.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 2003 Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% varietal wine, grown at the Rutherford estate, and is considered a spectacular wine.
- 🪵 This wine is known for its enormous oak presence, featuring an explosion of char and vanilla flavors.
- 🍇 It exhibits a deep undercurrent of black currants, contributing to its rich and complex flavor profile.
- ✨ The wine is characterized by sweet, youthful tannins that are polished and refined, adding to its glamorous appeal.
- ⏳ The 2003 vintage was projected to hold and develop through 2020, showcasing its aging potential.
Palate profile
Producer
Inglenook Winery, originally known as Rubicon Estate, was founded in 1879 by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum in Rutherford, California. Niebaum's vision was to produce wines that could rival Europe's finest, leading to Inglenook's early acclaim. In 1975, filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola purchased part of the estate, eventually restoring the original vineyards and chateau. In 2011, Coppola reacquired the Inglenook trademark, reinstating the winery's historic name and legacy.
