2021 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford

If Captain Niebaum was partly responsible for introducing Cabernet Sauvignon to Napa Valley, then John Daniel Jr. was responsible for continuing his great-uncle's tradition of excellence and refining that varietal to a respected status. In honor of Daniel's Cask Wines program, which he initiated in 1949, the vintages bottled from 1995 through 2008 of this grape variety were originally called Cask and bore oak veneer labels. Until then, the wine had been 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in American oak barrels. The 2009 vintage, however, saw changes in both the name and the 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 among the top wines from Napa Valley, and this Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford and white Blancaneaux is now distributed exclusively through Place du Bordeaux to affiliated wine merchants (including, of course, Grand Crus). This is also true for other iconic wines such as Harlan, Insignia, and Opus One. Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to John Daniel Jr., who produced the acclaimed 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux vines at the Inglenook Estate by founder Gustave Niebaum. Today, this distinctive wine is still made with organically grown fruit grown exclusively on the estate.

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

FACT: Inglenook's winemaker is Philippe Bascaules, who is also the managing director of Château Margaux. You'll find the official fact sheet for this wine in the "Attachment" tab. We'll automatically send it to you when you order this wine.