Raymond Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The grapes for the Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon come from our family's original Rutherford estate property purchased in 1970. The vineyard has a Lyre trellis system pruned to quadrilateral cordons with vines spaced eight feet apart and ten feet between each row. The maturity of the vines contribute to the concentrated Cabernet flavors and the rich Rutherford soils, with their good drainage, are an essential component in high quality grape growing.

Nose: Ripe fruit aromas of blueberry, blackberry and currant followed by earth, spice and mocha notes.

Palate: Full-bodied with a rich mouth feel and silky smooth flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, spicy earth, cassis and cocoa. Well structured with nicely integrated tannins and a long, lingering finish.

Food Pairing: A classic Cabernet to pair with grilled filet mignon or rib eye with wild mushrooms, roast duck, braised beef short ribs, herb roasted rack of lamb, wild game, Portobello mushrooms with a blue cheese cream sauce, hearty winter stews like Cassoulet and smoke roasted sage crusted pork loin.