Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Rudd Oakville Estate Red greets the senses with a poised and intricately layered bouquet, where pure boysenberry and black cherry fruit are gently lifted by bright red currant and a whisper of violet petals. Subtle botanical hints of fennel seed and warm allspice find harmony with a delicate floral lift, framing the fruit with quiet refinement. On the palate, the wine is defined by clarity and precision. Bright red cherry and black plum converge with Cabernet Sauvignon's signature cassis; each expression of fruit articulated through a vibrant beam of acidity bringing energy and lift. The midpalate is concentrated yet lithe, resonating with tension and purity that reflect both the vintage conditions and the volcanic, iron-rich soils of eastern Oakville. As the wine evolves, layers of freshly moved earth, cool graphite and dark roasted cocoa emerge, underscoring the vineyard's mineral signature and imparting a sense of quiet gravity. The tannins here are finely knit like crushed velvet, structured and precise, providing form without imposition and carrying the wine through a long, sustained finish. The 2022 vintage of the Rudd Oakville Estate Red is captivating and luxurious—compelling now for its harmony and poise yet distinctly composed for prolonged evolution in the cellar.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A pretty, velvety and deep red that's beautifully floral in aromas and rich in dark fruit and sweet oak spices on the palate. Rose petals and red plums on the nose, with blackcurrants, blueberries, chocolate and cherries on the palate. Full-bodied, smoothly tannic and broad in texture. A majority of cabernet sauvignon complemented by 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 47% new French oak, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a terrific wine that will compete with anything in the vintage. Ripe black fruits, scorched earth, leather, and graphite all emerge from the glass, and it's rich, medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, some firmer tannins, and a layered mouthfeel that gains richness and depth with time in the glass. It's terrific today yet I see no reason it shouldn't evolve for 10-15 years if well stored. Drink 2025-2040.
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Wine Spectator
Singed alder, bay and earth hints weave in and out of a core of gently mulled blackberry and boysenberry fruit. This doesn't show a lot of energy, but more than some in this vintage. Knit well, with the fruit having persistence through the warm loam finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
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.