1994 Inglenook Rubicon Estate Viognier
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Tasting notes
This wine displays some promising characteristics, such as a saturated dark ruby color, and a restrained but promising nose of earth, black fruits, spice, and a whiff of licorice. However, in the mouth, the wine takes on a tannic structure, coming across as austere and high in tannin. Is the wine's tannin too much for its depth and fruit? Time will tell, but at present, this wine seems less of a sure thing than it did before bottling. There is plenty of grip, structure, and tannin, but these structural components currently dominate the wine's ripe fruit. There is quality, but is there balance? This wine will last for 15 or more years. Tel. (707) 963-9099
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright ruby. Black raspberry, gingerbread and cinnamon aromas show a distinctly port-like ripeness. Lush, rich and intensely flavored; shows inky and chocolatey notes but has the solid structure to support its high level of ripeness. Finishes fairly tannic and long. Substantial and strong.
About the producer
Inglenook is one of Napa’s oldest wine estates, founded in 1879, but is today owned by Francis Ford Coppola.