Inglenook Rubicon Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Formerly Rubicon Estates,  Francis Ford Coppola reacquired the rights to the "Inglenook" namesake in 2011 and has now restored the original name of this historic Napa Valley estate, founded in 1879, and is working to bring its reputation for high-quality Napa Valley wine out of retirement. To that end, Coppola brought in winemaker Philippe Bascaules, from Chateau Margaux. The Rubicon name remains the moniker of the signature estate wine. 95 Points Robert Parker:  "The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon, which used to be a proprietary blend and had a somewhat rustic, Italian personality, has now been put under the Inglenook Vineyard designation. Where the Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, the Rubicon has abandoned any Italian varietals in favor of a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. I think it’s safe to say this is potentially the best Rubicon made to date. It’s not to denigrate other vintages, but there is a finesse and elegance combined with great richness and an avoidance of any rusticity that plagued some of the other vintages – which is to be admired. It possesses a dense purple color, beautiful, sweet crème de cassis notes with a floral underpinning. I don’t see any of the Rutherford dust, per se, but there is an undertone of earthiness. The wine is full-bodied, rich, potentially complex and certainly capable of lasting 20 to 30 or more years. This is a great young Rubicon that will have its peak in 5-7 years and last 25-30... ..Looks like there’s completely new packaging for these wines from famous movie producer/director Francis Ford Coppola. They’ve owned Inglenook since 1975, which included the regional estate of 1,600 acres of land with several spectacular vineyards. What they call the “front vineyards” were acquired by Coppola in 1995."                                                      

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