Rudius Panek Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Front Label
Rudius Panek Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Panek Vineyard is located just north of the town of Saint Helena, near the historic Bale Grist Mill. Originally cultivated as an old vine Zinfandel vineyard, the current Cabernet plantings were established in 2005 as a mix of five different clones. This area has been known for decades to produce some of the finest fruit in the Napa Valley due to its unique combination of well-drained, old river wash and alluvial soils from the western hills. Panek also experiences a slightly warmer climate across the growing season than regions just south of the pinch in the valley at Lodi Lane due to the surrounding topography. These conditions combine to create a site that consistently yields wines with a unique high-tone, blueberry profile and lengthy, silky tannins not normally found in Cabernets from the valley’s lower elevations. Our Panek Vineyard Cabernet has always been forward in its youth thanks to the warm harvest days and extended hang time it sees, but it’s ageability is unmatched among Saint Helena Cabernets due to the unique tannin profile these vines yield.

Professional Ratings

  • 93
    Pure and rich, featuring vivid dark berry, mocha, dried herb, cedar, black licorice and subtle mint notes. Firms nicely, offering a deep and supple texture, with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2026.
Rudius

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One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.

Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.

DDT209950_2009 Item# 209950