Inglenook, Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley 2020
Inglenook, one of Napa Valley's crown jewel
Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, Inglenook remains the crown jewel of the Napa Valley under the stewardship of the Coppola family. The property has been bought by Francis Ford Coppola in the 1970’s and the wine is made by Philippe Bascaules, General Director of Château Margaux. The latter successfully carried out the construction of new technical facilities, enabling the teams to achieve even greater precision in the winemaking process.
Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to John Daniel Jr., who produced the much-heralded Inglenook 1941 Cabernet Sauvignon from vine cuttings brought from Bordeaux to the Inglenook Estate by founder Gustave Niebaum. Today, this standout wine is still crafted with organically-farmed fruit grown exclusively on our estate.
The 2020 vintageWeather conditionsExcellent canopy growth protected the fruit during the short stints of summer heat that led to 2020’s early veraison. Harvest for this wine was fairly compressed, beginning with the Boardwalk Merlot block on September 7th, and concluding with Red Barn Clone 337 on September 28th. Practicing organic farming since the 1980’s, Inglenook was one of the first Napa Valley vineyards to be certified organic in 1994. Experimentation is embedded in Inglenook’s DNA, and within this ongoing evaluation, considerations of climate change, vine age, vintage and other factors reiterate that an estate of Inglenook’s caliber and quality is forever a work-in-progress.
Tasting notesThe 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is striking in appearance, with its garnet color and youthful purple edge. The wine reveals vibrant expressions of crushed cherry, cedar, and red currant, as well as suggestions of forest floor and bay leaf. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, exhibiting both considerable energy and elegance. Every glass of Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon recalls the more than 140 years of Cabernet Sauvignon creation at Inglenook, taking you through the Chateau and its rich winemaking history that continues today.