Rubicon (2018)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied red blend with rich flavors of ripe cassis, allspice, and black licorice.
About this wine
The 2018 Inglenook Rubicon is a full-bodied red blend that envelops the palate with rich flavors of ripe cassis, allspice, and black licorice. The wine's luxurious concentration is complemented by supple, silky tannins and vibrant freshness from balanced acidity. Aged for 18 months in French oak, with 76% new barrels, it offers a long and expansive finish. This vintage is a testament to Inglenook's legacy of producing world-class wines since its founding in 1879.
About the grape
The 2018 Inglenook Rutherford Rubicon is primarily composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that thrives in Rutherford's well-drained, gravelly soils, contributing to the wine's structure and depth. Merlot, making up 8% of the blend, adds softness and a plush texture, balancing the tannic nature of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc, at 3%, introduces subtle aromatic complexity, while the 1% Petit Verdot enhances color and adds a hint of spice. These varietals are cultivated on Inglenook's historic estate, which has been producing wines since 1879, reflecting a rich tradition of winemaking in Napa Valley.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 2018 Inglenook Rubicon is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, showcasing a classic Bordeaux-style blend.
- 🪵 This vintage was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 76% being new oak, imparting complex flavors and a refined structure.
- 🏆 The 2018 Rubicon received high praise from critics, including a 97-point rating from James Suckling, who highlighted its subtle complexity and polished tannins.
- ⛵ Inglenook's estate, where Rubicon is produced, was originally established in 1879 by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum, making it one of Napa Valley's historic wineries.
- 🌉 The name 'Rubicon' signifies a point of no return, reflecting the winery's commitment to producing exceptional wines that honor its rich heritage.
Palate profile
Producer
Inglenook Winery, established in 1879 by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum, is one of Napa Valley's most historic estates. Niebaum's vision was to create a winery that would rival Europe's finest, and his wines quickly gained international acclaim, winning gold medals at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. In 1975, filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and his wife, Eleanor, purchased a portion of the original estate, eventually restoring the historic chateau and reuniting the vineyards. Today, Inglenook continues to produce exceptional wines from its organically farmed vineyards, maintaining its legacy of quality and innovation.
