Winemaker Notes
A bold palate characterized by vibrant red currant, juicy plum, and an underlying cherry liqueur builds the entry into a finessed and dense midpalate. This intensity deepens with undertones of dark espresso, notes of leather, and persistent tannins which could only come from Rudd's Oakville Estate. Robust yet balanced, the 2020 Rudd Oakville Estate Red is indulgent and complex, expertly grown and crafted to be enjoyed over the next 20 years.
Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec
Professional Ratings
-
Decanter
Harvested over eight separate picks between 28 August and 14 September, which saw ripening expedited in Oakville and phenolics reaching peak maturity early on because of the warmer vintage. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon balanced by 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc exudes the grace and refinement of Oakville. Gorgeous aromas of cigar box, sagebrush, black currants, and spearmint. Full-bodied with a rich tapestry of inky black fruits, rich dried rose petal florals, and emergent raspberry fruits atop pixelated tannins that cascade over the palate in pin-point fashion. It's an utterly intriguing Cabernet and one of the most compact and structured of the vintage. It's beautifully built with restrained aromatics and compact flavours and has excellent length. Wait to pop corks until 2024, and enjoy this one over the next 5-8 years.
-
James Suckling
Sandalwood, dried tea leaf, and fresh cedar with blackcurrants and black berries on the nose and palate. Medium to full body. Fine tannins with a chewiness and serious length.
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.