Rutherford Hill Mixed Red

Saturday, December 8, 2012

“I’m just saying maybe you shouldn’t make such snap judgments.”

You know, stereotypes exist for a reason. There’s always at least a hint of truth in them.

“It’s ignorance like that statement that makes me glad I’m so open-minded.”

Oh, please. You’re telling me if I say, “Full-bodied with flavors of black fruit and dark chocolate,” you don’t immediately think, “Cabernet”?

“No, I don’t actually. I like to give wines the benefit of the doubt.”

Anyone who says they don’t immediately think “Cabernet” when they hear “black cherry, anise and toasted almond” is a liar.

“Are you calling me a liar?”

If you can’t admit that this wine is an outstanding example of the bold personality and unbridled flavors characteristic of a Napa Valley Cabernet, then yes, yes I am calling you a liar.

“How DARE you. You make me sick.”

OK, fine. So, tell me this … if I describe a wine that’s dark ruby in color, has intense aromas of blueberries, dried cherries and vanilla with hints of caramel, and offers a persistent, lingering finish with a hint of mocha and espresso, what would you say?

“I’d say that it really could be anything because I’m not a shortsighted ignoramus like you. Merlot, maybe. Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc for that matter. Petit Verdot, even.”

Mmm hmm, mmm hmm. Now what would you say if I told you that second wine is a blend of ALL of those things?

“What?! I uh, well … YOU TRICKED ME.”

Pot, meet Kettle.

Total MSRP:   $ 110.85

2006 Rutherford Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 750ml

• Alcohol: 14.2%
• Varietal Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Napa Valley 
• Acid Level: 6.3 g/L
• Sugar Level: No residual sugar
• Length/Type of Fermentation: Stainless Steel Tank with daily pumpovers with an average of 22 days on skins.
• Length/Type of Aging: Barrel aged in 225L French oak barrels for 16 months; One-third New Oak.
• Date Wine was Bottled: June 2008
• Number of cases: 6,086

2008 Rutherford Hill Winemaker’s Red Blend 750ml

• Varietal Blend: 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
• Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
• Harvest Dates: 09/5/08 – 10/13/08
• # of days of fermentation: 10 days
• Type of fermentation: Stainless Steel tank with daily pumpovers 
• Fermentation Temperature: 85? Fahrenheit
• Length and type of aging: 20 months in French Oak 
• Alcohol: 14.2%
• Acid: 6.0 g/L
• Residual sugar: none
• Month wine was bottled: August 2, 2010
• Optimum period for Consumption: Release through 2018
• Number of cases produced: 535

Woot