Cellar Selection

Rubicon Estate 2002 Cask Cabernet

Rubicon is the image of what was once the historic Inglenook property located in the heart of the western Rutherford Bench in Napa Valley’s prime Cabernet Sauvignon appellation.  In 1975, Francis and Eleanor Coppola purchased a majority of the Inglenook Estate and introduced the Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery with the plan to revitalize its Cabernet heritage.  In 1978 Coppola’s plan became a reality and launched the first Rubicon vintage that became the Winery’s flagship wine.  Much later in 1995, the Coppolas purchased the remaining part of the property, including the Inglenook Chateau, which restored the Estate to its historic dimensions (I guess he made him an offer he couldn’t refuse!).  Coppola said “In America, so few things that are broken apart are ever put back together.  Reuniting this property was truly a dream come true, both for my family and for Napa Valley.”  In 2011, The Coppolas acquired the iconic Inglenook trademark and Coppola announced that henceforth, his celebrated Estate would be known by its historic original name, Inglenook.

Opening up the 2002 Cask Cabernet, the color was a deep garnet, with slightly brown edges.  Aromas of rich ripe sweet black fruit, with subtle scents of vanilla notes and a hit of earthiness.  The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and spent 26 months aging on American oak.  The flavors of very ripe blackberries, blueberries and black cherries, somewhat sweet, almost jammy.  Tannins were very subtle and smooth, virtually nonexistent,  A well balanced Magnificent wine that was a joy to drink, amazing and got better an hour later when we poured the final glasses.  With only 2200 cases made, I cannot imagine if any bottles are around to pick up, but I am sure it would fetch well over $100.  Rubicon Estate Cask, the ultimate in Sipping Fine Wine.

Cheers!