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2019 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Rutherford750ml 14.6

The Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon was the first appellation wine to be introduced in our Cabernet series of very small bottlings dedicated to the benchland sub-appellations of Napa Valley.

The Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon was the first appellation wine to be introduced in our Cabernet series of very small bottlings dedicated to the benchland sub-appellations of Napa Valley.

  • Alcohol 14%
$155.00
$155.00

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Specifications

  • Vintage: 2019
  • Region: Napa Valley
  • Appelation: Rutherford
  • ABV: 14.6
  • Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

Showing its Rutherford pedigree, this complex Cabernet is a classic example of the intriguing character that Rutherford offers. Layered aromas and flavors of ripe red berry fruits burst through with redcurrant, bright Bing cherry, and cassis, supported by hints of rose petal, caramel, and sweet cedar spice, all interwoven with oak and earth, a hint at the well-integrated oak. Velvety-rich cocoa-powder tannins, a signature of the “Rutherford Dust” profile, also come through with delicate violet, adding an alluring floral perfume. The finish is long, peppery, and spiced, with a creamy, polished, finely grained texture, that is deeply pleasing. Enjoy upon release, or capable of aging for many years to come, if you can keep your hands off.

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Expert reviews

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“Subtle and complex with tile, spice and redcurrants. Floral and bright. Medium to full body with round, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. It remains so polished and fine. You want to drink it now, but it will age beautifully, too. Drink or hold.” - James Suckling, May 4, 2022

The Vineyard

Morisoli Vineyard

Fruit from the Morisoli Vineyard in the heart of the Rutherford Bench has been the sole source for this expression of Etude Cabernet since 2009. Currently under the watchful eye of fourth generation grower Gary Morisoli, this pioneering vineyard with gravelly Bale clay loam soil and classic Rutherford dust produces some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in Napa Valley. Retained heat from the ground helps to concentrate the intense crushed berry character that defines Rutherford Cabernet as having an “iron fist in a velvet glove.”

Process

The 2019 vintage

  • Winter

    The 2019 harvest started one to two weeks later than previous years, mostly due to February rains, but because the vines were in their winter dormancy, it did not affect the 2019 crop.

  • Spring

    Spring continued to be wet with some rain during flowering, followed by cool temperatures that allowed the grapes to mature gradually.

  • Summer

    Most grapes ripened at lower sugars, thanks to the extended, cool growing season, and winemakers were pleased with the full flavors, fresh acidity and superb balance of the 2019 fruit.

  • Harvest

    Wildfires in October did not impact this year’s harvest as the vast majority of the grapes were already brought in, resulting in a crop size pretty much on par with previous years.

Crafted Excellence

Winemaking

The grapes were cold soaked for 3-5 days and fermented on their skins in open top fermenters. An extended maceration period followed fermentation, to help modify the depth and mouthfeel of the wine, and to fully extract color, flavor, and aromatics. The young wine was then racked into small French oak barrels – using a selection of coopers and forests to accentuate the vineyard distinctions – where it aged for 20 months in 100% French Oak (75% new). Each lot was kept separate until final blending. The resulting wine was returned to barrel for an additional nine months of aging.