Inglenook Rubicon 1994 Front Label
Inglenook Rubicon 1994 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Rubicon reflects the richness and the ripeness of the Niebaum-Coppola Estate. The deep ruby red hue of this wine is a result of the perfect ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot for extra flavor dimension and Cabernet Franc to lift and intensify aromatics. Rubicon is not made to reflect any one varietal. Instead it is a representation of the renowned property from which it comes.

The wine possessed a sweet core of ripe cherry and cassis fruit that overrides a firm, elegant structure of soft, fine, yet abundant tannins. Flavors are inviting and intriguing, typical of Cabernet, but enhanced when this varietal is grown on the Niebaum-Coppola Estate. As with all great vintages, it reflects merit in its finish. The 1994 Rubicon persist on the palate almost indefinitely.

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc

Professional Ratings

  • 92
    A well-regarded blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this year's version shows impressive balance and finesse. Firm and tightly wound, with a sharply focused, deeply concentrated core of currant, black cherry, cedar, toast and spice flavors, this is a muscular yet polished wine. Cellar Selection.
Inglenook

Inglenook

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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

DDE56763_1994 Item# 56763