Tasting Notes:
This wine exudes its sense of place—the personality and quality of Cabernet Sauvignon grown on Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench. Our 2008 Beaulieu Vineyard Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon captures this area with briary blackberry, dark plum, black cherry, chocolate and tobacco leaf. The famous Rutherford Dust gives the wine cocoa-powder tannins and texture, while well-integrated oak adds toasty mocha notes to the generous aromas and expansive flavors.
Vineyard Notes:
Ninety percent of the grapes for this wine were selected from vineyard blocks in our historic BV Ranches No. 1 and No. 2, which provide the velvety dark-fruit character and firm structure that we desire for this Cabernet Sauvignon. These vineyards are located on the Rutherford Bench, where ideal alluvial fan soils—composed of gravel, sand and loam—allow the vines to root deeply and bring up minerals that develop unique flavors in the grapes. Winemaker Jeffrey Stambor chose the balance of the grapes from highly regarded growers that we have worked closely with for many years.
Ratings & Reviews
Wine Spectator Magazine:"Smooth and graceful, with rich, spicy, loamy earth and subtle berry shadings. Makes points with its delicacy and finesse, gaining complexity and ending with touches of licorice and mineral. Drink now through 2018. 30,000 cases made." –JL (Oct 15, 2011)
90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2007 vintage):"The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford exhibits cedar, coffee and dark berry notes along with a dense ruby/purple color, a nice texture and a style that is somewhat of a throwback to the BV Cabernet Sauvignons made in the sixties and seventies. With pure fruit as well as an endearing texture, this is a beautiful wine to drink over the next 10-15 years." - Robert Parker (Dec 2010)
92 Points & "Cellar Selection" - Wine Enthusiast (2006 vintage):
"A very fine Cabernet, although the tannins are a bit fierce now. Beyond the astringency are plush flavors of blackberries, black currants, cola, spices and sweet, smoky cedar. Needs time. Best 2011 and beyond." — S.H. (12/15/2009)
