RuddOakville Estate Red 2014

"Still somewhat under the radar among the great estates in Northern California is Rudd Estate, right at the Oakville crossroads, sitting across the street from Plumpjack, Dalla Valle, Screaming Eagle, Tench - clearly the tenderloin of Napa Valley. The estate director is Oscar Henquet, who is quietly building on what is already a high bar of quality by focusing on obtaining more elegance without compromising the concentration and character of the estate's wines." - Robert Parker

Winemaker Frederick Ammons, since the 2011 vintage, has worked successfully in bringing Rudd to its present day by paying attention to every detail, both in the winery and in this preeminent estate vineyard in the tenderloin of Oakville. This 2014 Oakville Estate Red from Rudd is one of 'precision and focus, the nose expresses purity of fruit with cassis and blackberry notes. On the mouth, the wine is restrained, allowing the fine, ripe tannins to shine. The wine builds in depth and intensity, revealing floral notes, and chocolate tannin with a brooding, roasted note. The long finish is harmonized with natural acidity that pilots focus, precision and freshness. With its refined tannins, the 2014 can be enjoyed within years of its release, but because it is truly an outstanding vintage, it will develop its already noble confidence, generosity and grace with 18+ years of cellaring.' The final blend was aged in 74% new French oak and the final blend was 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. 97 Points, Wine Advocate