Inglenook, Rubicon - Napa Valley 2020

Inglenook, Rubicon - Napa Valley 2020

Rubicon, a world-class wine by Inglenook

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.

The production of Rubicon, Inglenook’s premier red wine, began in 1978 and restored the estate’s legacy of making world-class wines. Rubicon is an elegant blend from the finest vineyard blocks and showcases the highest potential of both the estate and the vintage. Under the guidance of Philippe Bascaules, Inglenook’s Director of Winemaking, Rubicon proudly takes its place alongside much older, revered vintages of Inglenook in collectors’ cellars around the world.The phrase "crossing the Rubicon" signifies any irreversible action with revolutionary intent or the outcome of which holds great risk. True to its uncommon depth, Inglenook's Rubicon continues to be a testament to the finely tuned rendering of a risk well-taken.

The 2020 vintage

Weather conditions

Excellent canopy growth protected the fruit during the short stints of summer heat that led to 2020’s early veraison. All fruit was hand-harvested in just over four weeks, beginning with Merlot from the Gio vineyard on August 22nd, and concluding with Cabernet Sauvignon from the Apple block in the Pritchett Hill vineyard on September 19th. 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 notes

The 2020 Rubicon opens with an array of focused aromatics, ranging from crème de cassis and tobacco leaf to dark chocolate and espresso notes. On the palate, the wine is rich and inviting, with the sleek, cohesive structure of a classic Rubicon vintage. The original aromatics return in the finish, along with a hint of allspice and clove. Each taste of Rubicon expresses the wine’s freshness as it unites with the heritage and longevity of the estate.