2021 Inglenook Rubicon
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Tasting notes
Even better than I recall from barrel, the nose of Inglenook's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon (which includes a small amount of Cabernet Franc and an even smaller portion of Merlot) emerges from the glass as a harmonious melody of baking spices—cinnamon, vanilla and cardamom—and ripe cherries. Showing terrific intensity and a plentitude of fine-grained tannins, this medium to full-bodied wine should age well for at least two decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Opulent fruit that has lots of personality and ripeness as well as lots of leathery character, showing both the fruit-driven and the savoury side of Napa. Finishes with tar and petrichor on the long, expressive finish. (RH)
Intense, powerful and concentrated, full of dark brambled fruits, with cocoa bean, smoked almonds, espresso, a series of tiny pulses of crushed rock minerality. Captures the power of Rutherford without sacrificing finesse or pleasure, just a gorgeous wine that is so easy to fall in love with. The muscular tannins need a few year before fully opening, and could be held back in bottle for a decade or more, or ensure a good long carafe. Todd Devincenzi director, Philippe Bascaules winemaker.
Full bottle 1,539 g. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot. Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. 4,135 cases produced. There’s a certain toastiness and transparency to this wine. Rather a contrast to the more concentrated regular Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresher acidity. Racy. Is this the Château Margaux of Napa Valley?! (JR)
About the producer
Inglenook is one of Napa’s oldest wine estates, founded in 1879, but is today owned by Francis Ford Coppola.