Winemaker Notes
Tamber Bey's estate-grown Bordeaux-blend wine, Rabicano (pronounced Rab-i-kawno), is a masterful blend that exhibits the unique traits of the Deux Chevaux Vineyard, a strong core of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the bolstering power of Petit Verdot and the aromatics of Cabernet Franc. Planted in 2002, This was Tamber Bey’s original blend that inspired three other blends: Sabino, Tovero and Vermejo.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
an impressive blend of 69 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 22 per cent merlot with touches of malbec, petit verdot and cabernet franc, that delivers focused dark-fruit aromas, ahead of a core of ripe blackcurrants that surround a smooth, central core of plush, fine tannins. Balanced and flavorful. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
This combines 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 3% each of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all from the producer’s estate. Cedar, oak and clove highlight a burly middle with shades of power and heat, flavored in lasting flavors of vanilla and cassis.
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.
One of Napa Valley's most historic sub-appellations, Yountville spreads through some of the valley's ideal cooler sites and enjoys success with a handful of different and significant grape varieties.
Syrah competes strongly with Cabernet Sauvignon here for optimal vineyard real estate followed by Pinot noir, Pinot blanc and Sauvignon blanc.
This sub-AVA of Napa Valley is rich in the history that makes Napa Valley what it is today, and not just for red wines. Moët & Chandon entered the California winemaking business via Yountville in 1973 with the establishment Domaine Chandon. Their goal has always been to produce top quality méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
Christian Moueix, originally responsible for managing Chateau Petrus and La Fleur-Petrus in Pomerol, arrived in Yountville in the early 1980s. He formed a partnership with Rohin Lail and Marcia Smith, inheritors of Napanook vineyard from their father John Daniel of Inglenook in Rutherford. In 1995 Moueix became sole owner of Napanook and chose the name Dominus, which today produces some of Napa’s highest scoring, age-worthy Bordeaux Blends.