Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

Graphite, rock and iron elements contribute an underlying earthiness to this intensely concentrated wine - a good representation of the appellation's warmth and richness. -Virginie Boone

Plush along the edges, but still nicely focused in feel, with cassis and plum reduction notes holding sway, while vanilla, sweet bay leaf and warm anise details fill in. Shows a late tug of warm earth on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2030. -JM

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford District Collection has a deep garnet-purple color and slips sensuously from the glass with alluring notes of baked blackberries, stewed plums and crème de cassis plus nuances of Indian spices, chocolate mint and dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich and laden with loads of black fruit preserves layers, it has a wonderfully spicy undercurrent and velvety tannins, finishing with a refreshing lift. Impressive! 248 cases were made. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Rutherford is another gem that has the charming, already approachable style that’s common from wines from Raymond, yet it also shines for its balance, mid-palate depth, and length on the finish. Lots of textbook Cabernet tobacco, earth, cassis, and spice notes emerge from the glass, and it’s another head-turning wine in the lineup that can be drunk today yet also cellared for 15 years or more.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is a juicy, open-knit wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Hints of spice, leather, cedar and tobacco add lovely aromatic nuance to a core of succulent dark fruit. This is an especially forward, luscious style that works beautifully.

-- Antonio Galloni