2009 Inglenook Rubicon
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Tasting notes
The deep garnet colored 2009 Rubicon contains 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. It has a fairly mature nose of leather, cigar box and baking spices over a core of prunes, dried mulberries and raisin cake with touches of sautéed herbs and incense. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has evolved, savory and earth-inspired flavors with a chewy texture and stewed tea-laced finish.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A big, imposing wine, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is going to need some time to shed its tannin and baby fat. There is plenty of weight and gravitas in the glass. Smoke, tar, chocolate, licorice and dark red raspberries are all woven into the virile, authoritative finish. In 2009 the blend is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.
The 2009 Rubicon, from a cooler vintage, possesses quite a bit more minerality and tannin than the 2008. Although just bottled, the 2009 shows lovely focus and finesse in an elegant, understated style. Dark red fruit, freshly cut flowers, mint and spices are some of the nuances that are layered into the energetic finish. In 2009 the blend is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot.
About the producer
Inglenook is one of Napa’s oldest wine estates, founded in 1879, but is today owned by Francis Ford Coppola.