rubicon estate - california wines - edencroft fine wines

California - Rubicon Estate

Few properties in Napa are as steeped in history as Rubicon Estate. Originally known as the Inglenook Estate the property was founded in 1898 by Gustav Niebaum, a Finnish Sea Captain who having achieved amazing wealth as an Alaskan trader, became deeply interested in Fine European wines and decided to launch a wine-making business close to home settling in Rutherhood after an extensive search through the Napa Valley.

The estate quickly proved its quality with some magnificent vintages around the turn of the century before being disrupted by prohibition, however, under the management of John Daniel, Niebaum's wife's grand-nephew, it soon recovered to produce some of the greatest wines created in the world at that time.

In 1975 Francis Ford Coppola stumbled across the property while searching for a small retreat for his family. His interest in the story of Inglenook lead him to recreate the complete property, which he did with his final purchase in 1995.

Once again the wines of Rubicon Estate can be considered amongst the greatest in the world under the stewardship of Larry Stone MW, General Manager, and the Winemaker Scott Macleod.

Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Bin No

MENT/311

Size

75cl

Price

£48.00

The 2003 growing season in Rutherford commenced with spring rain and cool temperatures, creating a naturally low yield. Summer temperatures were relatively moderate, but autumn arrived with added warmth to transform the vineyards and deliver a winning vintage. The three-week stretch of 90 degree temperatures in October pushed the grapes into full ripeness, resulting in beautifully developed tannins and intensely flavoured fruit.

The 2003 CASK Cabernet has layers of ripe, red cherries, plum, vanilla, cocoa, and toast. The flavour is intense, but with a pleasing, supple mouth feel. The wine is eminently enjoyable now, especially if served with intensely flavoured meats or cheeses, but it also can be aged for 5 to 10 years more.

Rubicon 2003

Bin No

MENT/312

Size

75cl

Price

£68.00

2003 was a classic late harvest in Rutherford. Following a cool spring, the summer was very mild except for two heat spikes that produced temperatures over 100 degrees. As summer faded into fall, temperatures remained average to cool, pushing the Cabernet harvest into October. And October did not disappoint with a staggering 18 days of mid-80 degree weather under sunny, beautiful skies. The estate harvested nearly all of the Rubicon grapes during this idyllic period.

Rubicon is characterized by aromas of black sour cherries and violets. These flavours are confirmed on the palate with the addition of black currant, wild berries and sweet vanilla from aging in 100% new French oak barrels. There is an immediate sense of concentration on the mid palate with a luxurious and dense texture. While this wine is approachable now, it will develop further complexity with cellaring, easily fifteen to twenty-five years or more. This is one for the cellar.

Edizione Pennino Zinfandel 2005

Bin No

MENT/310

Size

75cl

Price

£24.50

The 2005 vintage was another late vintage in California as a result of cool summer temperatures and large crop yields. Because of the abundance of fruit, the vineyards on the Estate were thinned three times over the season, reducing the yield to ideal levels for the highest quality fruit. We experienced amazing autumn weather, including gorgeous, warm and sunny conditions throughout October. The Zinfandel was harvested the 2nd week of October before the Cabernet harvest got underway.

The 2005 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel is dark, luscious, and very perfumery. Intense aromas of raspberry, white pepper and liquorice are followed by sweet, mouth filling flavours of blue and red fruits, briar and spice. With a palate this dense and ripe, the profusion of flavour lingers and builds beautifully on the finish.