Rubicon (2013)

About this wine

The 2013 Inglenook Rubicon is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with aromas of cherries, black currants, and dark chocolate, complemented by notes of oak and floral undertones. On the palate, it offers flavors of dark crushed berries, cassis, and smoky wood, with nuances of tobacco leaves and spices emerging as the wine develops. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, providing a dense and voluminous mouthfeel. This vintage is noted for its precision and elegance, finishing with a freshness due to its balanced natural acidity. The 2013 growing season, one of the driest on record, resulted in highly expressive and well-concentrated fruit, making this wine a standout example of Napa Valley's Rutherford appellation.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and hardy vines, making it well-suited to various climates. In Rutherford, California, the combination of warm days and cool nights, along with well-drained soils, creates an ideal environment for cultivating this grape. The 2013 Inglenook Rubicon is notable for being the first and only vintage made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, highlighting the exceptional quality of the grape that year. This decision underscores the winery's confidence in the varietal's ability to stand alone, reflecting both the grape's adaptability and the unique terroir of Rutherford.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2013 Rubicon is composed entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, a rarity for this wine, highlighting the exceptional quality of the varietal that year.
• 🌱 Inglenook's Rubicon is crafted from organically grown grapes, reflecting the winery's commitment to sustainable viticulture.
• 🪵 The 2013 vintage underwent 18 months of aging in 100% French oak barrels, with 75% being new oak, imparting complex flavors and aromas.
• ⛵ Inglenook Winery, originally established in 1879 by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum, has a rich history spanning over a century.
• 🌄 The Rutherford AVA, where Inglenook is located, is renowned for its unique terroir, particularly its well-drained soils composed of gravel, loam, and sand, contributing to the distinctive character of its wines.

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.