Winemaker Notes
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
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Wine Spectator
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.
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.