The 7 Finest New Cabernet Sauvignons From Napa Valley’s Dynamic Rutherford Area
Famous Napa Valley winemaker André Tchelistcheff is known to have said, “It takes ‘Rutherford Dust’ to make great Cabernet Sauvignon.” Referring to the deep soils at the center of the valley, this brings to mind the earthiness of the distinctive Cabernet and other red varieties that thrive here as well as the cocoa powder character found in some bottles. This American Viticultural Area sits on the former Rancho Caymus land grant that was bestowed on Napa Valley pioneer George Yount in 1836. Yount is said to be the first to have planted grapes in the valley, and the nearby town of Yountville—now home to Michelin three-starred French Laundry and several other notable restaurants—was named for him. He turned over a large portion of the ranch to his granddaughter Elizabeth and her groom Thomas Rutherford in 1864 as a wedding present. The young couple followed in Yount’s footsteps and continued planting vines here for 20 more years, and the AVA still bears their surname.
The Rutherford AVA is located at the widest part of Napa Valley and some of region’s most famous and historic wineries call it home. Consisting mainly of valley floor vineyards, Rutherford receives long hours of sunlight that contribute to the ripeness and bold fruit flavors of grapes grown here. Elevated vineyards on the west side of the appellation are shielded from the sun in the late afternoon by the Mayacamas Mountains, preserving acidity, while to the east, in the Vaca range, topographic variation creates a series of microclimates that add restraint and finesse.
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Frog’s Leap 2020 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California
The winemaking team at Frog’s Leap were early adopters of organic principles in Napa Valley with dedication to dry-farming all their grapes. They feel these practices show the natural differences of climate, soil type, water, and flora growth between the vines and how they influence the taste of their wines year to year. The 2020 Estate Cab is inky garnet with generous aromas of black plum, black raspberry, and red currant with silky tannins and flavors of cassis, graphite, and a touch of powdered cocoa in the finish.
Buy Now: $75
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Staglin 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California
Founded in 1985, Staglin Family completed its 24,000 square foot underground production and winery facility in 2002. Under a hill and overlooking the vines it provides for a naturally cool space in which to make and store fine wines. The family is known for their consistent quality Cabs and the 2019 is no exception. Garnet colored in the glass it has aromas of black fruits, ripe red raspberry, and a touch of pencil lead. Flavors of cassis, dried rosemary and sage, and red plum are wrapped in a silky-smooth tannic sheath. Drink now through 2039.
Buy Now: $295
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Frank Family Vineyards 2019 RHF Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California
Benjamin Vineyard on the valley floor and the hillside Winston Hill vineyard provide the grapes for this stellar wine. A blend of 95 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 percent Petit Verdot, and 1 percent each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it is aged for 20 months in 50 percent new French oak barrels. Garnet red with purple highlights at the rim, it has aromas of toasted hazelnut, paprika, and ripe black fruits and flavors of cassis, black plum, and a pleasant touch of that Rutherford dust so common in valley floor wines.
Buy Now: $110
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Heitz Cellar 2017 Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California
The Trailside Vineyard is located on the east side of Rutherford at the base of the Vaca Mountain range. It is composed of volcanic soils with excellent drainage and gets a strong marine influence from the San Pablo Bay breezes. The 2017 has alluring aromas of ripe red fruit, dried rosemary, thyme, and freshly picked Bing cherries that easily morph into flavors of red raspberry, dried sage, and cassis. It is drinking beautifully right now, but don’t hesitate to lay it down for a decade or so.
Buy Now: $170
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Sloan 2017 Proprietary Red Rutherford Napa Valley California
Sloan Estate is located on 40 acres in Rutherford on the eastern side of Napa Valley. The 13 acres of hillside vineyards are at elevations between 875 and 990 feet and were planted in white tufa soil in 1997. The vines get excellent sun exposure during the day and are cooled at night by marine-influenced breezes. The 2017 has aromas of graphite, ripe red and black fruits, and a touch of cocoa powder. On the palate there are flavors of red plum, cassis, and dried mountainside herbs wrapped in silky tannins. Drink now through 2037.
Buy Now: $750
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Quintessa 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California
The 2020 growing season began with early budbreak in March followed by a warm spring that allowed for full canopy growth. A warm June progressed to a warmer July with ripening occurring in the third week of August. The leisurely harvest was from Sept. 3 to 26 so the grapes had plenty of hang time after ripening. Aromas of red currant, black plum, and brown baking spices lead to flavors of cassis, dried Mediterranean herbs, and black raspberry wrapped in a pleasantly grippy tannic sheath. Lay down for at least two to three years before drinking and enjoy over the next 10 years.
Buy Now: $225
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Round Pond Estate 2021 Honouren Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California
Grapes for this delicious wine come from the favorite vineyard block of Bob MacDonnell, Round Pond’s late founder. The name Honouren is a tribute to him and all those living with, or lost to, Alzheimer’s; the label depicts members of the Round Pond community. Half of the profits from this wine are donated to organizations fighting the good fight against this wretched disease. Winemakers John Wilson and Jeff Plant make this excellent Cab with the help of consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. It is 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon that is aged for 20 months in 80 percent new French oak. It offers aromas of pencil lead, red plum, and Oolong tea that progress to flavors of black raspberry and cassis with a touch of forest floor in the finish.
Buy Now: $110
Source: Robb Report
