Rubicon Estate Rubicon 2003

Wine information: In 1975 Francis Ford Coppola purchased part of the historic Inglenook property and three years later made his first vintage of Rubicon, a proprietary blend of classic Bordeaux varietals. Twenty years later he was able to restore the Estate to its original dimension with the purchase of the grand Chateau and remaining vineyards. After restoring the Chateau, including returning winemaking to its original location on the second floor, purchasing the adjacent J.J. Cohn property and building a massive cave in the hillside behind the Chateau, Coppola changed the property’s name to Rubicon Estate, echoing the name of its flagship wine. The Rubicon is a blend 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot from the Garden, Gio, Creek, Cask, Lower Cask, Apple and Walnut vineyards. The cornerstone of Rubicon is the Garden Vineyard which is the oldest block of Cabernet on the Estate. It is planted to the original selection of Cabernet that founder Gustave Niebaum brought to the property in the early 1880s. This Cabernet has been selected and certified by the University of California at Davis as a heritage clone of historical significance. It was awarded a coveted clonal selection number by the University, the Niebaum Clone of Cabernet Sauvignon #29. This unique clone of Cabernet is essential for the creation of Rubicon. 2003 was a classic late harvest in Rutherford. Rubicon is characterized by aromas of black sour cherries and violets. These flavours are confirmed on the palate with the addition of black currant, wild berries and sweet vanilla from aging in 100% new French oak barrels. There is an immediate sense of concentration on the mid palate with a luxurious and dense texture. While this wine is approachable now, it will develop further complexity with cellaring, easily fifteen to twenty-five years or more. This is one for the cellar.

 
     

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