RUBICON ESTATE 'Inglenook' Rubicon Red - Rutherford, Napa Valley 2019 Bottle (los)

Description

Rubicon has been crafted since 1978, reviving Inglenook’s legacy of producing world-class wines. This elegant blend showcases the estate’s highest potential under the careful guidance of Philippe Bascaules. The 2019 vintage has garnered exceptional acclaim, receiving 98 points from Decanter and 97 points from both James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast. It offers enticing aromas of ripe berries, vanilla, and dark chocolate, leading to a complex palate rich in blackcurrant and cherry, with herbal nuances and refined tannins. The wine strikes a beautiful balance between elegance and vibrancy, complemented by layers of floral and earthy notes. Ideal for enjoying from 2025 to 2049, Rubicon is an outstanding choice for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a memorable Napa Cabernet experience.

*****

The production of Rubicon, Inglenook's premier red winebegan in 1978 and restored the estate's legacy of making world-class wines. Rubicon is an elegant blend from the finest vineyard blocks and showcases the highest potential of both the estate and the vintage. Under the guidance of Philippe Bascaules, Inglenook's Director of Winemaking, Rubicon proudly takes its place alongside much older, revered vintages of Inglenook in collectors' cellars around the world.

DECANTER 98 Points
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2049
Supple, generous and supremely well textured with chalky but fine tannins supporting the rich blackcurrant and cherry fruit. I love the cool blue fruit sensation also, this feels well worked and differently stylistically than many other Napa wines. A sense of refinement here, delicate yet still vibrant and confident. A clear difference between this and the normal bottling. Chewy and ripe with floral fragrance, some milk chocolate elements, caramel, coffee, sweet strawberries, herbal raspberries, liquorice and tobacco - such a lot going on here, but you can feel all the nuance and detail. An excellent wine worth seeking out. 3% Pet - Georgina Hindle 07/22

JAMES SUCKLING 97 points
Aromas of ripe berries, sweet vanilla, licorice, dark chocolate and bread crust. Notes of dried herbs and pinewood, too. So well grounded. Smooth, with a lingering, silky mouth-feel. Full body and ripe, chewy tannins. Toned and muscular with hints of crushed rocks. Firm, linear finish. Try after 2025.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 97 points
With a grip of currant, dried herb, sage and cedar, this youthful wine is structured, elegant and tremendously ageworthy. Bright throughout in vibrant acidity, it is sophisticated in style, with an earthiness that endures, showcasing the incredible potential that continues to be realized from the organically farmed estate. Enjoy best from 2029–2034. This blends 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. — Virginie Boone

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96+ points
Drink Date 2024 - 2044
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose pops with vivacious notes of warm cassis, blackberry pie and redcurrant jelly, plus hints of crushed rocks, bay leaves and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a solid, firm and grainy texture with a lively backbone cutting through dense earth-laced layers, finishing long and minerally. Impressive! - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 10/21

VINOUS 95 points
Drinking Window 2025 - 2039
From: The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernets: A Deep Dive (Jan 2022)
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon offers a captivating mix of textural intensity and vibrancy. Black cherry, spice, rose petal, menthol and licorice are all beautifully delineated. A wine of vertical lift and drive, the 2019 has the vibrancy to develop beautifully for years to come. - By Antonio Galloni on September 2021

JANCIS ROBINSON 17+ points
Drink 2025 - 2037
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
Fragrant, subtle rather Margaux-like in its perfume! Dry finish. This should age well and intriguingly.