Production Notes

Varietal Composition: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot

Winemaker Notes

Showcasing the classic, terroir-driven character that marks the finest Rutherford Cabernets, this beautifully structured wine begins with an intense array of blackberry, sage, graphite, fig and violet aromas. On the palate, Rutherford’s signature dusty minerality frames the voluptuous blueberry and dark berry flavors, with hints of cracked black pepper emerging on the long, dramatic finish.

Production

In terms of overall weather, most of the 2020 growing season was excellent. Following a relatively dry winter, budbreak started early, and the temperatures throughout spring and summer were mild and temperate. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, developing pure, vibrant flavors and supple, fleshy textures. In late September, harvest was impacted by the outbreak of wildfires and the arrival of hot weather. The elevated temperatures gave many vineyards a final push to ripeness as we worked to bring in the grapes. During this period, we did extensive testing to ensure quality, excluding any fruit that did not meet our standards. While our meticulous selection process resulted in a smaller 2020 crop, the wines we produced live up to the Duckhorn name, displaying beautiful aromas, soft elegant textures, lively complexity and lush flavors.