2007 Rubicon 'Estate' Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Heritage wines, like Rubicon, are special.

Its lineage can be traced to the historic Inglenook estate founded by Gustave Niebaum, purchased by Francis Ford Coppola in 1975, and renamed Rubicon. Recently, Coppola acquired the original Inglenook name, which will appear on future bottlings.

So, it’s possible that the 2007 Rubicon, sans the Inglenook name, could become a collector’s item — and not just because of the name on the bottle, but also the wine inside. The 2007 — comprised entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Rutherford appellation — is another in a long line of special releases from the estate.

Each vintage, Rubicon presents a snapshot of a unique place at a specific time (i.e., growing season), and the 2007 bottling is best described as voluptuous. Its tannin structure bodes well for long-term aging, yet its bright fruit flavors reward early consumption. To age or not to age? That is the conundrum presented by heritage wines such as Rubicon.

About Bordeaux Blend

A Bordeaux Blend is a blended red wine with six varities: Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Grape Source:Estate Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Rutherford AVA
• Aromas & Flavors:Black Currant, Cassis and Subtle Earth Notes
• Aging Vessels:French Oak Barrels (All First Use) for 20 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2017
• Food Pairing Suggestiona steak grilled over oak chips.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Barbecued Short Ribs With Asian Marinade This recipe, which serves 6, makes an anything-but-typical companion to red wine blends that are based on the varieties of Bordeaux. If you can't find certain ingredients at your supermarket, track down a Korean market... Get The Recipe
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  Maytag Bleu T Bone Steaks We decided to tap the "Born to Grill" cookbook for this amazingly flavorful recipe for the summer. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Beef Roast With Winter Fruit This recipe is ideal for the chilly evenings of winter, and matches beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon or red Bordeaux. It makes 12 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe