Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2019

Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the Elizabeth Spencer vineyard dedicated to Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from the deep, well-drained alluvial soils of the Rutherford AVA. This area, bordered by the Mayacamas to the west and the Vaca Mountains to the east, enjoys sunny days and cooler nights thanks to the influences of San Pablo Bay. The terroir is renowned for producing Cabernets that are both structured and elegant, marked by a characteristic texture often described as "Rutherford Dust."

Made from vines located in the Rutherford appellation, this Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested at perfect ripeness then carefully sorted before fermentation in tanks, allowing for precise extraction of color and tannins. Winemaking aims to preserve the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir, with controlled pump-overs to refine the structure. Aging then takes place in oak barrels, to bring aromatic complexity, a velvety texture, and a long finish, while respecting the classic and elegant character of Napa Valley Cabernet.

This wine reveals notes of ripe blackcurrant, black cherry, and plum, complemented by discreet floral touches, spicy nuances of pepper and clove, as well as an elegant woodiness with accents of vanilla, cedar, and sweet tobacco. The palate presents a full body, with firm but polished tannins, supported by a balanced acidity, offering a silky texture and a long, persistent finish.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.