Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red opens with an intense sweet spice nose, fully of vanilla bean, and subtle savory anise tones. Rich plum and dark cassis harmoniously balance the spice with the refined essence of purple flowers, dried green herbs, and graphite stemming from the addition of Cabernet Franc to the blend.
Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Winemaker Natalie Bath has crafted a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon balanced by 7% Cabernet Franc, exuding the elegance of better Oakville sites and the depth and complexity possible from this AVA. Leads with ripe blackberry fruit and a dusting of pulverised red stones, along with a panoply of dried wild herbs. The medium-bodied palate reveals a lovely mix of wild berry fruit framed by sinewy tannins and resolving with tobacco, crushed cocoa nibs and a tangy blood orange acidity, all gliding to a spicy finish.
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James Suckling
A pinpointed red with currants, cherries, plums, chocolate with walnut undertones. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins. Attractive length. Blend of 93% cabernet sauvignon and rest cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
This has a nice deep well of warmed cassis and plum puree flavors, threaded deftly with a sweet tobacco hint that adds nice contrast. Shows a pretty backdrop of violet and singed alder on the finish. A deep, slow-moving but confident wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
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.