Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon(2004)

History
Rubicon Estate CASK Cabernet epitomizes the property’s illustrious history and
winemaking tradition. Francis and Eleanor Coppola’s 1995 reunification of the Estate
provided the inspiration to create a Cabernet Sauvignon that would pay tribute to
the wines of John Daniel, Jr., the grand-nephew of founder Gustave Niebaum, who
successfully ran Inglenook Winery from 1934 to 1964 and created wines since judged
by critics to be among the best Cabernets ever produced.
The Vineyards
Out of respect for the environment and our vineyard read more...staff, as well as our belief that
organic grapes make better wine, Rubicon Estate is farmed organically and certified by
California Certified Organic Farmers.
There are 235 acres of vines at Rubicon Estate with nearly 130 acres dedicated to
growing ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The renowned Chateau and Cohn
vineyards, which provide the grapes for this wine, produce Cabernet with tremendous
depth, rich color, profuse berry aromas, and the unmistakable flavor of ripe Bing
cherries.
Although CASK Cabernet and our flagship wine Rubicon are often comprised of fruit
from the same vineyards, each features different lot selections—CASK Cabernet fruit
prominently demonstrates true red cherry flavors—and an entirely custom élevage
technique.
The Vintage
The 2004 season in Rutherford was unlike the vintage before. Average rainfall ended
abruptly in April causing the buds to burst early in the month. The entire season was
characterized as ‘early’ by most measures. Subsequently, a warm spring and summer
led to earlier than average harvest dates. Cabernets are always the last grapes to be
picked, and the warm days of September led to spectacular ripeness and power. Most
of the great lots of Cabernet were harvested between the middle of September and the
first week of October.
Winemaking Notes
The warm growing season of 2004 resulted in ripe red cherry and rum raisin flavors in
our wine. All of the Cabernet grapes on the estate were picked at full maturity so that
within days of fermentation, there were already massive amounts of color extraction.
To match the high degree of ripeness in the fruit, we use 100% new American Oak
barrels whose toasty vanilla and maple-laden scents add additional layers of aromas
and flavors to the CASK blend.
Tasting Notes
Our 2004 CASK Cabernet is a classic, grand style American Cabernet. It is loaded
with ripe red cherry and rum raisin scents, which are telltale hallmarks of Rutherford
Cabernet in a great year. Immediately accessible for its forward charm, the dense and
supple tannins are inviting to experience now, but the rewards will come with threeto-
six years of bottle age.

Rutherford, Rubicon Estate
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Chateau, Cohn, and Creek;
100% Estate-grown and
organically certified
7686 cases (750ml);
121 cases (1.5L); 150 cases (375ml)
.55/100ml 3.69
28 months 500-L American
oak puncheons
14.3%    (hide)