2012 Inglenook, Rubicon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon, which used to be a proprietary blend and had a somewhat rustic, Italian personality, has now been put under the Inglenook Vineyard designation. Where the Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, the Rubicon has abandoned any Italian varietals in favor of a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. I think its safe to say this is potentially the best Rubicon made to date. Its not to denigrate other vintages, but there is a finesse and elegance combined with great richness and an avoidance of any rusticity that plagued some of the other vintages which is to be admired. At three times the price, its not three times the wine of the Cask Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses a dense purple color, beautiful, sweet crme de cassis notes with a floral underpinning. I dont see any of the Rutherford dust, per se, but there is an undertone of earthiness. The wine is full-bodied, rich, potentially complex and certainly capable of lasting 20 to 30 or more years. This is a great young Rubicon that will have its peak in 5-7 years and last 25-30.Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 31/10/2014