2017 Inglenook, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA

93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.

It is a deep purple colour. Dense cassis dominates the nose. The palate is brambly and a little jammy, with very soft tannins integrated into the fruit already at this young stage. There is some warming alcohol on the finish, but the soft tannin and succulent fruit help to mask it somewhat. 

Drink 2021 - 2031

7,440 cases are estimated to be made.

A barrel sample blended of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple-colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals scents of dried roses, kirsch, and black cherries with touches of bay leaves and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied with bright red and black fruits and a chewy backbone, it finishes with a lively herbal lift.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and boisterous in feel, with good energy and terrific balance for the year. Sweet floral notes, blood orange and spice add shades of nuance to a core of dark red berry fruit. More than anything else, though, I am very pleasantly surprised by the wine's freshness and overall energy.

Drink 2022 - 2032

95ha estate on a huge, almost 700ha estate. Philippe Bascaules, director of winemaking. 50% new oak. Blend completed with 1% Petit Verdot.

A classic Napa Cabernet, smooth and rich, softly spoken with swirls of black fruits and gentle spice. This will age, but there is no need to wait too long as the sides have already been smoothed out. A great entry point to the Rubicon, showing how carefully Inglenook walks the line between richly powerful, concentrated Cabernet and a fresher, lean style of wine. There was no trace of over-ripeness or the smoke that impacted the very end of the picking—tasted twice.

Drink 2022 - 2036

Aromas of currants, blackberries, and violets follow through to a medium body with firm, tight tannins that give it length and structure. This needs time to soften.

Better after 2022