Winemaker Notes
Blend: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petite Verdot, 9% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The finest Rudd Estate Proprietary Red Rudd has yet made is the 2008. A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot and 14% Malbec, it offers up aromas of blue and black fruits, charcoal, white chocolate and flowers. The soaring aromatics are followed by a wine with fabulous concentration, a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood, a brilliant texture, a fabulous personality and loads of complexity as well as full-bodied richness. This potentially legendary proprietary red already possesses remarkably sweet tannin. It will be drinkable early (because of its density, ripeness and velvety texture), but it should age effortlessly for 20-25 years. Bravo!
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Wine Spectator
This is pure, deep, rich and concentrated, with firm, spicy currant and creamy mocha-laced oak. Firms nicely on the finish, where the tannins are grainy and add traction. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2014 through 2028.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.