California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
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California
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Wine Advocate (98+)
Deep garnet colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard comes charging out of the gate with amazingly intense roses and lilacs scents over an impressively primary core of blackberries, crushed black currants and black cherries with tantalizing layers of chocolate box, smoked meats and Chinese five spice plus a waft of fragrant earth. The palate is full-bodied, super concentrated and built like a brick house, delivering very firm, grainy tannins with just enough freshness, finishing very long and minerally.Inc. VAT£1,082.02 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard is a total rock star even at this incredibly youthful stage, strutting the stage with flamboyant freshly crushed red and black currants, black cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents with spectacular lilacs and fragrant earth accents plus sparks of cast iron pan, garrigue and grilled meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with amazing energy, packing wonderfully vibrant black fruits, red berries and mineral flavors into a firm, finely grained frame, finishing very long and beautifully lifted.Inc. VAT£1,141.87 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard is largely cut from the same cloth and reveals a purple/ruby hue as well as a deep, profound bouquet of blue fruits, cassis, dried violets, Asian spices, vanilla-laced coffee, and a whiff of new leather. Complex, full-bodied, and magically textured, it packs loads of fruit and opulence yet stays flawlessly balanced, has silky tannins, no hard edges and a majestic, singular personality. As with the 2015, drink this thrilling wine any time over the coming 30+ years.Inc. VAT£3,800.26 -
Wine Advocate (99+)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard delivers powerful scents of blackberry preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and stewed plums, giving way to red and black currant jelly, beef drippings and wild fungi. Full-bodied, tightly wound and shimmering with tension in the mouth, it has a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins supporting the reticent fruit, finishing savory and with lots of latent energy. All the signs say that this baby is holding back right now and has more to give with considerable cellaring. Tuck it away for at least 5-6 years and then enjoy it over the next 40 years+.Inc. VAT£1,347.62 -
(3x75cl) 2013Wine Advocate (100)
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith leaps from the glass with gregarious black and red cherries, mulberries, black currant cordial, red roses and lavender scents with layers of crushed rocks and earthy sparks. Faint earth and exotic spice nuances unfurl slowly, growing in intensity and depth. The palate is full-bodied and solidly structured with firm, very finely grained, super ripe tannins and bold freshness. Finishing exquisitely perfumed, jaw-droppingly layered and with bags of sophistication and poise, this wine totally resets the benchmark for 100 points.Inc. VAT£1,992.82 -
(3x75cl) 2014Wine Advocate (100)
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith opens with compelling crème de cassis, wild blueberries, anise, chocolate mint and black earth scents plus suggestions of candied violets, cinnamon stick, tar, cigar box and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, super firm and built like a brick house, the palate offers layer upon layer of very tightly wound, subtly nuanced flavors leading to a very long, very perfumed and minerally finish. If any Hundred Acre wine can live for 100 years, this is certainly a contender.Inc. VAT£1,968.82 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith has a medium garnet-purple color and a hauntingly beautiful nose of kirsch, red roses, fragrant soil and menthol over a core of blueberry compote, raspberry pie and preserved plums plus faint glimpses of crushed rocks, lavender, tapenade and smoked meats. The palate is full-bodied, tightly knit and super intense with a solid structure of perfectly ripe, fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and minerally. This is one of those very rare wines that so beautifully straddles the pinnacles of hedonic and the cerebral experiences, forever compelling you to take just one more sip.Inc. VAT£2,388.82 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
Deep garnet, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith jumps with spicy scents of cumin seed, clove oil, cinnamon stick and fenugreek, leading to a core of prunes, blueberry pie and blackcurrant cordial, with touches of iron ore and red roses. The rich, full-bodied palate layers in red fruit nuances with a structure that is wonderfully elegant and ethereal, delivering silken tannins, seamless freshness and a long-lasting firework display for a finish.Inc. VAT£1,457.62 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98+)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith is one of those wines that would be a perfect example of the expression “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has that classic 2018 frame that carries pure darker currant and cassis fruits as well as complex notes of leather, licorice, and spring flowers. This layered, multi-dimensional, perfectly balanced 2018 will reward 3-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25 years.Inc. VAT£2,068.42 -
(12x75cl) 2017Vinous (91)
The 2017 Chardonnay Le Debut Hyde Vineyard is a very pretty, open-knit wine loaded with class and personality. Light tropical notes of pineapple and passion fruit complement lemon confit, white flowers and mint in this silky, supple Chardonnay. The Debut is the domaine's young-vine Chardonnay, from vines planted in 2010 with Calera clone. About 75% of the wine was aged in neutral oak and 25% in concrete egg.Inc. VAT£1,411.78 -
Vinous (96)
The 2016 Syrah Californio Hyde Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine that remains very much within the classic style favored here. Inky dark fruit, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, tobacco and incense add striking layers of nuance to this dark, beautifully resonant Syrah. The 2016 spent 18 months in French oak, 20% of which was new. A reduction of time in barrel by a few months really helps the purity of the fruit come through. This is a superb vintage for the Syrah.Inc. VAT£1,308.07 -
Vinous (98)
The 2018 Syrah Californio Hyde Vineyard is dark and explosive in the glass. Ripe red cherry, plum, chocolate, leather and licorice open first, followed by more typical Syrah notes of black pepper, game, tobacco, incense and leather that add a striking upper register. The 2018 was done entirely with destemmed fruit, yet it has plenty of savory energy. I must admit, I am generally not the biggest fan of Syrahs from Hyde, but the 2018 is a flat-out stunner.Inc. VAT£1,278.41 -
(12x75cl) 2013Inc. VAT£1,350.58 -
(12x75cl) 2014Inc. VAT£1,318.18
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(12x75cl) 2016James Suckling (95)
A very fresh and vivid pinot with so much raspberry and blue fruit character. Stone and cement undertones. Blood oranges and sea shell, too. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A structured and flavorful red. Needs two or three years to come together.Inc. VAT£1,516.87 -
James Suckling (95-96)
A very solid red offering dried-strawberry, violet and cedar aromas and flavors with hints of oak. Full-bodied, firm and chewy with fantastic length and complexity. Great potential.Inc. VAT£1,826.20 -
(12x75cl) 2012Inc. VAT£787.74 -
(12x75cl) 2021James Suckling (95)
This is a fantastic white with white peaches, honeysuckle, crushed stone, and mustard flower. Full and fresh with beautiful fruit and firm phenolics that give excellent texture. Some acacia. Lemon rind. Dried fruits at the end. 43% viognier, 27% marsanne, and 30% roussanne. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£750.58 -
(6x75cl) 2022
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)
An unusual style of white wine in Napa, a place where Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay tend to reign. Expect spice and gentle smoke on the opening here, star anise, white pepper, spiced pear and citrus, overlaid with fragrant white flowers. Great stuff. Winemaking and ageing in 60% stainless steel, 40% French oak, 22% new. Philippe Bascaules winemaking director.Inc. VAT£350.44 -
Vinous (95)
A dense, succulent wine, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon captures all the raw power and density of the year. The 2015 is just starting to soften, but ideally it needs another few years in bottle to be at its finest. Readers should expect an especially opulent style, and yet the 2015 has more than enough depth to drink well for another 15+ years or more.Inc. VAT£604.18 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
The base cuvée is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec sourced all from Rutherford. It has a classic, Saint Julien-like bouquet of crème de cassis, tobacco lead, damp earth, and spice that gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated, textured Cabernet that hits all the right marks. The top Rubicon release has a touch more elegant and precision, but this isn't far off. Drink this stunner any time over the coming 20 years or more.Inc. VAT£378.08 -
(1x75cl) 2018Decanter (96)
One would be hard-pressed to find a more definitive showing of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Just enough oak-treatment apparent on the nose to add complexity, melting perfectly into the brooding, dark black fruits underneath. The palate is plush, forward and dusty with a subtle, snappy quality to the finish. It has become rare that the premier (and most expensive) wine from a Napa producer is not simply a bigger and riper iteration of other wines in the lineup. Such is not the case with InglenookInc. VAT£127.60 -
Decanter (96)
One would be hard-pressed to find a more definitive showing of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Just enough oak-treatment apparent on the nose to add complexity, melting perfectly into the brooding, dark black fruits underneath. The palate is plush, forward and dusty with a subtle, snappy quality to the finish. It has become rare that the premier (and most expensive) wine from a Napa producer is not simply a bigger and riper iteration of other wines in the lineup. Such is not the case with InglenookInc. VAT£446.98 -
James Suckling (95)
This shows notes of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of licorice, cloves, walnuts and chocolate. It has full body and a velvety tannin structure. Juicy and vibrant fruit on the palate with a touch of earthiness. Smooth and delicious. Long, fruity finish. Very pure fruit. Try after 2024.Inc. VAT£440.15 -
Wine Advocate (93+)
There have been a number of changes of late at Inglenook, so I was anxious to taste the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask. This wine was first created in 1949 and during that era, through the 50s and early 60s, was considered one of the finest wines of California. This is the best, young Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon I have tasted during my professional career of 35 years. Dense ruby/purple with classic crème de cassis, but underlying minerality and spice box. The wine is full-bodied, but not over-the-top, yet nevertheless authoritative, rich and quite long. There is a thickness and concentration I haven’t seen from this estate in many a year and this wine should age beautifully for 20-25 years at the very minimum.Inc. VAT£569.98 -
(12x75cl) 2013Vinous (97)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon emerges from the back part of the property, which lies on the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Here the wines are dense, powerful and structured. That is exactly what comes through in the 2013. Layers of dark fruit built into a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures laced with mocha, espresso, gravel and dark spice overtones. The new oak that was so prominent at the outset has begun to integrate and in so doing is allowing the fruit to come through to a greater degree than in the past. This is a tremendous showing for the 2013 Rubicon.Inc. VAT£1,897.27 -
Vinous (97)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon emerges from the back part of the property, which lies on the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Here the wines are dense, powerful and structured. That is exactly what comes through in the 2013. Layers of dark fruit built into a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures laced with mocha, espresso, gravel and dark spice overtones. The new oak that was so prominent at the outset has begun to integrate and in so doing is allowing the fruit to come through to a greater degree than in the past. This is a tremendous showing for the 2013 Rubicon.Inc. VAT£861.95 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
The proprietary red, the 2014 Rubicon (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) has a saturated black/purple color and a nose of blackberry and cassis with some camphor and charcoal. Chewy, rich and full-bodied, with exceptional precision and personality, this is a stunningly delicious and complex wine with a good 25-30 years of further potential. It is the antithesis of the rustic, somewhat coarse reds that were made under the Rubicon moniker when Francis Ford Coppola first acquired the Inglenook estate. Kudos to him for making dramatic improvements. Approachable already, this wine won’t hit its stride for another decade and will last 30 or more years.Inc. VAT£832.88 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
The proprietary red, the 2014 Rubicon (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) has a saturated black/purple color and a nose of blackberry and cassis with some camphor and charcoal. Chewy, rich and full-bodied, with exceptional precision and personality, this is a stunningly delicious and complex wine with a good 25-30 years of further potential. It is the antithesis of the rustic, somewhat coarse reds that were made under the Rubicon moniker when Francis Ford Coppola first acquired the Inglenook estate. Kudos to him for making dramatic improvements. Approachable already, this wine won’t hit its stride for another decade and will last 30 or more years.Inc. VAT£803.48 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (95+)
A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, the 2015 Rubicon is slightly deeper in color than the 2014 and offers a deeper, more concentrated, yet slightly compact style that's common in this vintage. Blackcurrants, scorched earth, cedary spice, leafy herbs and licorice all flow to a ripe, beautifully concentrated, deep wine that needs 5-7 years of cellaring and will make for incredible drinking over the following 15+ yearsInc. VAT£1,897.27
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Wine Advocate (98+)
Deep garnet colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard comes charging out of the gate with amazingly intense roses and lilacs scents over an impressively primary core of blackberries, crushed black currants and black cherries with tantalizing layers of chocolate box, smoked meats and Chinese five spice plus a waft of fragrant earth. The palate is full-bodied, super concentrated and built like a brick house, delivering very firm, grainy tannins with just enough freshness, finishing very long and minerally.In Bond£891.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard is a total rock star even at this incredibly youthful stage, strutting the stage with flamboyant freshly crushed red and black currants, black cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents with spectacular lilacs and fragrant earth accents plus sparks of cast iron pan, garrigue and grilled meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with amazing energy, packing wonderfully vibrant black fruits, red berries and mineral flavors into a firm, finely grained frame, finishing very long and beautifully lifted.In Bond£948.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard is largely cut from the same cloth and reveals a purple/ruby hue as well as a deep, profound bouquet of blue fruits, cassis, dried violets, Asian spices, vanilla-laced coffee, and a whiff of new leather. Complex, full-bodied, and magically textured, it packs loads of fruit and opulence yet stays flawlessly balanced, has silky tannins, no hard edges and a majestic, singular personality. As with the 2015, drink this thrilling wine any time over the coming 30+ years.In Bond£3,147.00 -
Wine Advocate (99+)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard delivers powerful scents of blackberry preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and stewed plums, giving way to red and black currant jelly, beef drippings and wild fungi. Full-bodied, tightly wound and shimmering with tension in the mouth, it has a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins supporting the reticent fruit, finishing savory and with lots of latent energy. All the signs say that this baby is holding back right now and has more to give with considerable cellaring. Tuck it away for at least 5-6 years and then enjoy it over the next 40 years+.In Bond£1,112.00 -
(3x75cl) 2013
Wine Advocate (100)
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith leaps from the glass with gregarious black and red cherries, mulberries, black currant cordial, red roses and lavender scents with layers of crushed rocks and earthy sparks. Faint earth and exotic spice nuances unfurl slowly, growing in intensity and depth. The palate is full-bodied and solidly structured with firm, very finely grained, super ripe tannins and bold freshness. Finishing exquisitely perfumed, jaw-droppingly layered and with bags of sophistication and poise, this wine totally resets the benchmark for 100 points.In Bond£1,650.00 -
(3x75cl) 2014
Wine Advocate (100)
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith opens with compelling crème de cassis, wild blueberries, anise, chocolate mint and black earth scents plus suggestions of candied violets, cinnamon stick, tar, cigar box and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, super firm and built like a brick house, the palate offers layer upon layer of very tightly wound, subtly nuanced flavors leading to a very long, very perfumed and minerally finish. If any Hundred Acre wine can live for 100 years, this is certainly a contender.In Bond£1,630.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith has a medium garnet-purple color and a hauntingly beautiful nose of kirsch, red roses, fragrant soil and menthol over a core of blueberry compote, raspberry pie and preserved plums plus faint glimpses of crushed rocks, lavender, tapenade and smoked meats. The palate is full-bodied, tightly knit and super intense with a solid structure of perfectly ripe, fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and minerally. This is one of those very rare wines that so beautifully straddles the pinnacles of hedonic and the cerebral experiences, forever compelling you to take just one more sip.In Bond£1,980.00 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
Deep garnet, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith jumps with spicy scents of cumin seed, clove oil, cinnamon stick and fenugreek, leading to a core of prunes, blueberry pie and blackcurrant cordial, with touches of iron ore and red roses. The rich, full-bodied palate layers in red fruit nuances with a structure that is wonderfully elegant and ethereal, delivering silken tannins, seamless freshness and a long-lasting firework display for a finish.In Bond£1,204.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98+)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith is one of those wines that would be a perfect example of the expression “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has that classic 2018 frame that carries pure darker currant and cassis fruits as well as complex notes of leather, licorice, and spring flowers. This layered, multi-dimensional, perfectly balanced 2018 will reward 3-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25 years.In Bond£1,713.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017
Vinous (91)
The 2017 Chardonnay Le Debut Hyde Vineyard is a very pretty, open-knit wine loaded with class and personality. Light tropical notes of pineapple and passion fruit complement lemon confit, white flowers and mint in this silky, supple Chardonnay. The Debut is the domaine's young-vine Chardonnay, from vines planted in 2010 with Calera clone. About 75% of the wine was aged in neutral oak and 25% in concrete egg.In Bond£1,138.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2016 Syrah Californio Hyde Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine that remains very much within the classic style favored here. Inky dark fruit, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, tobacco and incense add striking layers of nuance to this dark, beautifully resonant Syrah. The 2016 spent 18 months in French oak, 20% of which was new. A reduction of time in barrel by a few months really helps the purity of the fruit come through. This is a superb vintage for the Syrah.In Bond£1,058.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2018 Syrah Californio Hyde Vineyard is dark and explosive in the glass. Ripe red cherry, plum, chocolate, leather and licorice open first, followed by more typical Syrah notes of black pepper, game, tobacco, incense and leather that add a striking upper register. The 2018 was done entirely with destemmed fruit, yet it has plenty of savory energy. I must admit, I am generally not the biggest fan of Syrahs from Hyde, but the 2018 is a flat-out stunner.In Bond£1,024.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013In Bond£1,087.00
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(12x75cl) 2014In Bond£1,060.00
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(12x75cl) 2016
James Suckling (95)
A very fresh and vivid pinot with so much raspberry and blue fruit character. Stone and cement undertones. Blood oranges and sea shell, too. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A structured and flavorful red. Needs two or three years to come together.In Bond£1,232.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
A very solid red offering dried-strawberry, violet and cedar aromas and flavors with hints of oak. Full-bodied, firm and chewy with fantastic length and complexity. Great potential.In Bond£1,486.00 -
(12x75cl) 2012In Bond£616.49
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(12x75cl) 2021
James Suckling (95)
This is a fantastic white with white peaches, honeysuckle, crushed stone, and mustard flower. Full and fresh with beautiful fruit and firm phenolics that give excellent texture. Some acacia. Lemon rind. Dried fruits at the end. 43% viognier, 27% marsanne, and 30% roussanne. Drink or hold.In Bond£587.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)
An unusual style of white wine in Napa, a place where Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay tend to reign. Expect spice and gentle smoke on the opening here, star anise, white pepper, spiced pear and citrus, overlaid with fragrant white flowers. Great stuff. Winemaking and ageing in 60% stainless steel, 40% French oak, 22% new. Philippe Bascaules winemaking director.In Bond£276.00 -
Vinous (95)
A dense, succulent wine, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon captures all the raw power and density of the year. The 2015 is just starting to soften, but ideally it needs another few years in bottle to be at its finest. Readers should expect an especially opulent style, and yet the 2015 has more than enough depth to drink well for another 15+ years or more.In Bond£483.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
The base cuvée is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec sourced all from Rutherford. It has a classic, Saint Julien-like bouquet of crème de cassis, tobacco lead, damp earth, and spice that gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated, textured Cabernet that hits all the right marks. The top Rubicon release has a touch more elegant and precision, but this isn't far off. Drink this stunner any time over the coming 20 years or more.In Bond£295.50 -
(1x75cl) 2018
Decanter (96)
One would be hard-pressed to find a more definitive showing of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Just enough oak-treatment apparent on the nose to add complexity, melting perfectly into the brooding, dark black fruits underneath. The palate is plush, forward and dusty with a subtle, snappy quality to the finish. It has become rare that the premier (and most expensive) wine from a Napa producer is not simply a bigger and riper iteration of other wines in the lineup. Such is not the case with InglenookIn Bond£103.00 -
Decanter (96)
One would be hard-pressed to find a more definitive showing of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Just enough oak-treatment apparent on the nose to add complexity, melting perfectly into the brooding, dark black fruits underneath. The palate is plush, forward and dusty with a subtle, snappy quality to the finish. It has become rare that the premier (and most expensive) wine from a Napa producer is not simply a bigger and riper iteration of other wines in the lineup. Such is not the case with InglenookIn Bond£352.50 -
James Suckling (95)
This shows notes of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of licorice, cloves, walnuts and chocolate. It has full body and a velvety tannin structure. Juicy and vibrant fruit on the palate with a touch of earthiness. Smooth and delicious. Long, fruity finish. Very pure fruit. Try after 2024.In Bond£347.50 -
Wine Advocate (93+)
There have been a number of changes of late at Inglenook, so I was anxious to taste the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask. This wine was first created in 1949 and during that era, through the 50s and early 60s, was considered one of the finest wines of California. This is the best, young Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon I have tasted during my professional career of 35 years. Dense ruby/purple with classic crème de cassis, but underlying minerality and spice box. The wine is full-bodied, but not over-the-top, yet nevertheless authoritative, rich and quite long. There is a thickness and concentration I haven’t seen from this estate in many a year and this wine should age beautifully for 20-25 years at the very minimum.In Bond£455.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013
Vinous (97)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon emerges from the back part of the property, which lies on the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Here the wines are dense, powerful and structured. That is exactly what comes through in the 2013. Layers of dark fruit built into a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures laced with mocha, espresso, gravel and dark spice overtones. The new oak that was so prominent at the outset has begun to integrate and in so doing is allowing the fruit to come through to a greater degree than in the past. This is a tremendous showing for the 2013 Rubicon.In Bond£1,549.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon emerges from the back part of the property, which lies on the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Here the wines are dense, powerful and structured. That is exactly what comes through in the 2013. Layers of dark fruit built into a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures laced with mocha, espresso, gravel and dark spice overtones. The new oak that was so prominent at the outset has begun to integrate and in so doing is allowing the fruit to come through to a greater degree than in the past. This is a tremendous showing for the 2013 Rubicon.In Bond£699.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
The proprietary red, the 2014 Rubicon (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) has a saturated black/purple color and a nose of blackberry and cassis with some camphor and charcoal. Chewy, rich and full-bodied, with exceptional precision and personality, this is a stunningly delicious and complex wine with a good 25-30 years of further potential. It is the antithesis of the rustic, somewhat coarse reds that were made under the Rubicon moniker when Francis Ford Coppola first acquired the Inglenook estate. Kudos to him for making dramatic improvements. Approachable already, this wine won’t hit its stride for another decade and will last 30 or more years.In Bond£674.50 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
The proprietary red, the 2014 Rubicon (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) has a saturated black/purple color and a nose of blackberry and cassis with some camphor and charcoal. Chewy, rich and full-bodied, with exceptional precision and personality, this is a stunningly delicious and complex wine with a good 25-30 years of further potential. It is the antithesis of the rustic, somewhat coarse reds that were made under the Rubicon moniker when Francis Ford Coppola first acquired the Inglenook estate. Kudos to him for making dramatic improvements. Approachable already, this wine won’t hit its stride for another decade and will last 30 or more years.In Bond£650.00 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (95+)
A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, the 2015 Rubicon is slightly deeper in color than the 2014 and offers a deeper, more concentrated, yet slightly compact style that's common in this vintage. Blackcurrants, scorched earth, cedary spice, leafy herbs and licorice all flow to a ripe, beautifully concentrated, deep wine that needs 5-7 years of cellaring and will make for incredible drinking over the following 15+ yearsIn Bond£1,549.00
