Ruston Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

This is the best “regular” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon we have made.  It is a serious wine, rich and mouth-coating yet balanced.  It reminds me of the Napa Cabernets made in 1994 and 1995, two classic vintages when the best Napa Cabernets were made in the modern, fruit driven style, but with the more restrained wines of traditional Bordeaux and 1970’s Napa Valley a point of reference.  The grapes that went into the wine are from a selection of several Napa Valley vineyards with Oakville and Rutherford playing a prominent role.  The blend is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.  The primary flavors are dark fruits like cassis and blackberries combined with dark chocolate and subtle undertones of cedar, forest floor and dusty, loamy earth.  The wine will last at least 15 years in a cool cellar and will improve and gain in complexity over this time.  (298 cases produced)
(Ruston)