Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Crossroads Cabernet Sauvignon opens with enchantingly forward aromas of fresh Bing cherries, rich boysenberry, and succulent plum compote. Layers of graphite and black pepper add to the aromatic depth, while subtle anise and mild barrel spice notes complete the nose. A harmonious balance of red and black fruits unfold, highlighting sweet blackberries, red and black fresh currants, and a black raspberry tart. Decadent summer plums burst into the mid-palate, restrained by a delicate hint of interwoven dried rosemary. The midpalate continues into a round and generous finish, with well-integrated oak providing structure and elegance. One is left with lingering notes of cocoa and an undertone of all-spice, leaving a polished and lasting impression.
Since there is a never a wrong occasion to open this wine, they recommend inviting friends or family over to share a bottle with your favorite home cooked meal.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A deep, dark and generous wine that's the least expensive of the Rudd Oakville Estate reds. It's polished, full-bodied and complex, offering aromas of blackcurrants, graphite, star anise and dark chocolate. Moderate tannins fill out the palate, framing more dark fruit, subtle oak spices and light toasty flavors. Mostly cabernet sauvignion, with 13% cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot and 4% malbec. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A terrific, value-priced Cabernet, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Crossroads offers darker red and black fruits, graphite, spicy wood, and some incense nuances. Based on 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec and aged 22 months in 36% new French oak, it's medium-bodied and has a layered, balanced mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.