Rubicon at Inglenook Rubicon 2000

Because the growing season did not commence in its normal clockwork fashion, we waited for our Cabernet Sauvignon to develop intense ripe blueberry and sour cherry flavors—the hallmark of this wine—and harvested in late October. In very warm years we usually opt to blend in more spice characteristics by adding Cabernet Franc, but in cooler, longer seasons the opposite is true. 2000 Rubicon has only 2% Cabernet Franc and is also the first year we introduced a fourth varietal, Petit Verdot. This varietal adds a luxurious texture to the tannins along with velvety, dark berry fruit. The earlier ripening Merlot adds luscious flavors of blueberries and licorice, the perfect complement to our Cabernet Sauvignon.