2018 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford

If Captain Niebaum was partially responsible for introducing Cabernet Sauvignon into Napa Valley, then John Daniel Jr. responsible for continuing his great-uncle's tradition of excellence and refining that variety to a respected status. In honor of Daniel's Cask Wines program that he began in 1949, the 1995 to 2008 vintages on bottles of this grape variety were originally called Cask and carried oak veneer labels. Until then, the wine consisted of 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in American oak barrels. The 2009 vintage, however, saw changes in both the name and production and aging regime, and now Inglenook's Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec - depending on the desired profile - all aged in French oak.

For years, Inglenook has been one of the best from Napa Valley and this Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford and white Blancaneaux is only distributed to the affiliated wine merchants via the Place du Bordeaux (including Grandcru wines) as this also applies to other icons such as Harlan. Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon pays tribute to John Daniel Jr., who produced the acclaimed 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux vineyards on the Inglenook Estate by founder Gustave Niebaum. Today, this standout wine is still made with organically grown fruit grown exclusively on the estate.

This Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine with a lot of charm, energy and finesse. In the glass, the Cabernet Sauvignon is opaque ruby red in color and opens with aromas of ripe cassis, blackberry, espresso and cedar. Though powerful beneath the surface, the wine is extremely focused and well balanced, with silky tannins, ample freshness and lively structure, leading to a crescendo in the long, polished finish.

FACT: The winemaker of Inglenook is Philippe Bascaules, who is also the managing director of Château Margaux.