the story of inglenook Inglenook is one of Napa Valley's most historic and prestigious estates. Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, it quickly gained an international reputation. Under the leadership of Francis Ford Coppola and with the expertise of winery director Philippe Bascaules, Inglenook is once again an icon. Rubicon, first produced in 1978, is considered the estate's absolute flagship cuvée, made from the estate's finest parcels. It's a wine that keeps Inglenook's legacy alive and is beloved by collectors worldwide. the terroir of Rutherford Rubicon's vineyards are located on the renowned Rutherford Bench, a terroir renowned for its balance of power and finesse. The soils consist of gravel, clay, and alluvial deposits, which ensure optimal drainage and complexity in the wines. The Mediterranean climate, combined with cooling influences from the Bay, produces grapes that perfectly combine ripeness and freshness. It is this unique terroir that gives Rubicon its signature elegance and depth. the grapes and the 2022 harvest The 2022 Rubicon is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2.5% Petit Verdot. The growing season began with beneficial rainfall but ultimately proved drier than expected. Thanks to the autumn rains of 2021 and a warm spring, the vineyard developed healthy and vigorous canopies, which ensured balanced ripening. Harvest began on September 1st with Merlot and concluded in late September with Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cohn plots. The grapes produced a wine with remarkable balance and aromatic layering. vinification and maturation After being hand-harvested, the grapes were carefully selected and vinified in small batches. The wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 75% new and 25% neutral. This maturation enhances the structure and complexity, while retaining the fruity elegance so characteristic of Rubicon. The wine was bottled in July 2024, making the 2022 vintage ready to take its place in the long line of legendary Rubicons. color, smell and taste The 2022 Rubicon boasts a deep ruby red color. The bouquet opens with aromas of black cherry, red currant, and floral accents, framed by cedarwood, earthy notes, and subtle spice. Inglenook's tasting notes describe additional layers of black cherry and baking spices, reminiscent of black forest cake. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, refined, and slightly lighter in style than in previous vintages. Silky tannins provide grip, while the finish remains long, fresh, and elegant. The Wine Advocate highlighted the red fruit expression, vibrant freshness, and refined structure, advising decanting young for optimal expression. reviews and storage potential The Wine Advocate awarded the 2022 Rubicon 95 points, praising its balance, elegance, and aromatic complexity. The wine combines refinement with structure and has impressive aging potential. The ideal drinking window is between 2025 and 2045, during which time the wine will evolve from youthful freshness to a more complex and layered expression. Rubicon is internationally recognized as one of the most refined interpretations of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and remains a benchmark for the region. Order Inglenook wines online? If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. wine an