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Wine Description
The Story
Rudd Estate founded by Leslie Rudd, stands out as an exceptional place with unmatched terroir, uniquely situated in Napa Valley with a geologic backbone of volcanic rock and alluvial sediments creating iron-rich, well-drained soil, ideal for growing Cabernet grapes. The vineyards are farmed organically by their own full-time team. Having their own team enables some of the most significant winemaking actions of the year to be made in a focused, adaptive, and timely manner.
Samantha grew up on Rudd Estate and remembers the lessons instilled by her father through two decades of working side-by-side on the Estate. She also learned on the job from some of the best in the world at Château Margaux and Spottswoode, both female run and owned winery estates.
Samantha’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a selection of Rudd Oakville Estate blocks that yield grapes of particular depth and character. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 63% new French oak.
Wine Information
Appellation:
Oakville
Harvest dates:
October 2nd – October 10th
Blend:
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Fermentation:
100% Native Yeast
Aging:
20 months in 88% new French Oak
Production:
670 Cases
Vintage Report:
The 2009 vintage broke a three year drought and the heavy winter rains replenished the water tables of the North Bay winegrowing region. The sunny but cool days during summer were ideal for ripening the fruit slowly. This allowed the grapes to maintain their natural acidity which results in bright aromas and a balanced structure.
Reviews:
“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Samantha’s is a ripe, plush wine bursting with dark blackberries, spices, licorice and new leather. The aromas and flavors build effortlessly to a round, explosive finish imbued with the essence of graphite, flowers, cassis, minerals and crushed rocks. This is an especially ripe, flashy wine loaded with depth and pure energy. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.’’ -Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011, 93 Pts
“Another exciting Rudd, this is plush, rich and extracted, featuring a dense mix of dark berry, black licorice, currant and tobacco-cigar box touches, firming before ending with fine-grained tannins. Best from 2013 through 2028.” -James Laube, Wine Spectator, Aug 2012, 93 Pts
Source: www.ruddwines.com