Inglenook, Rubicon - Napa Valley 2021
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 2021 vintage:
Welcome rainfall in January and March nourished Inglenook’s soil for a healthy bud break. Warmer May temperatures advanced the bloom, leading to exceptional Summer growing conditions. Small canopies aided slow and steady sugar accumulation, resulting in a modest yield of exquisite quality. All fruit was hand-harvested between September 1st and October 5th. Having practiced organic farming since the 1980s, 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:
This wine showcases a tapestry of darker red fruits, with prominent notes of pomegranate and cherry, creating a rich and inviting profile. Its exceptional structure and impressive length contribute to a robust and satisfying tasting experience. The velvety tannins are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall smoothness of the wine. The influence of oak adds to the complexity, offering a seamless vanilla character that gracefully complements the fruit elements. Notably, in the tradition of Rubicon wines, this blend is known for its historical complexity, where no single variable stands out, but rather, the sum of its parts creates a truly captivating and multifaceted expression.