Log in or create an account now and be a part of the world's largest wine site Research, rate and review wines; buy online; receive personalized recommendations.
Rubicon Estate / Niebaum-Coppola Merlot Captain's Reserve(2003)
- Winery:
- Rubicon Estate / Niebaum-Coppola
- Varietal:
- Merlot
- Region:
- USA > California > Stag's Leap District
- Type:
- Red Wine
- 2004
Other Vintages
- Guide to Rubicon Estate / Niebaum-Coppola
- Learn about Merlot wines
- Guide to Stag's Leap District's wines
- Guide to USA's wines
Related Groups
At Rubicon Estate we produce a limited amount of wine made from grapes grown by our neighbors in the Napa Valley. The Rubicon Estate Captain’s Reserve wines showcase special vineyards and subappellations
within the Napa Valley by showcasing the varietals that
excel in each area. Captain’s Reserve Syrah is made with 100% Syrah grapes from Rubicon Estate and the Stags Leap district. The Rubicon Estategrown
Syrah comes from the Pritchett Hill vineyard, which produces wines with ripe, clearly defined fruit flavors. The Stag’s Leap district is a cooler region with read more...the palisades acting as a funnel for cool breezes
traveling north from the San Pablo Bay. The area’s cool nighttime temperatures allow the grapes to retain balanced acidity while achieving a desired ripeness.
The growing season yielded a reduced crop and, subsequently, higher quality grapes. The nearly consistent warm summer weather, peppered by a few hot spells, created excellent growing conditions.
Our Syrah must was cold soaked for 48 to 72 hours prior to fermentation to stabilize its color and enhance its aromatic compounds. The must was then inoculated and fermented in four and six ton open-top wooden fermenters. Once fermentation commenced we turned the heat up to 90°F and used pneumatic punch-down devices to keep the grape cap supple and moist. The wine was aged for 12 months in new French
oak, with racking every three months. Syrah has an opaque purple color and is brimming with fresh
blackberry, blueberry, plums, and black pepper aromas. The palate is lush with rich black fruits, cedar and all-spice framed in supple, ripe tannins. Pair it with grilled flank steak or pasta with a tomato sauce and spicy Italian sausage. Enjoy now or over the next 5 to 7 years. (hide)
within the Napa Valley by showcasing the varietals that
excel in each area. Captain’s Reserve Syrah is made with 100% Syrah grapes from Rubicon Estate and the Stags Leap district. The Rubicon Estategrown
Syrah comes from the Pritchett Hill vineyard, which produces wines with ripe, clearly defined fruit flavors. The Stag’s Leap district is a cooler region with read more...the palisades acting as a funnel for cool breezes
traveling north from the San Pablo Bay. The area’s cool nighttime temperatures allow the grapes to retain balanced acidity while achieving a desired ripeness.
The growing season yielded a reduced crop and, subsequently, higher quality grapes. The nearly consistent warm summer weather, peppered by a few hot spells, created excellent growing conditions.
Our Syrah must was cold soaked for 48 to 72 hours prior to fermentation to stabilize its color and enhance its aromatic compounds. The must was then inoculated and fermented in four and six ton open-top wooden fermenters. Once fermentation commenced we turned the heat up to 90°F and used pneumatic punch-down devices to keep the grape cap supple and moist. The wine was aged for 12 months in new French
oak, with racking every three months. Syrah has an opaque purple color and is brimming with fresh
blackberry, blueberry, plums, and black pepper aromas. The palate is lush with rich black fruits, cedar and all-spice framed in supple, ripe tannins. Pair it with grilled flank steak or pasta with a tomato sauce and spicy Italian sausage. Enjoy now or over the next 5 to 7 years. (hide)
- July 2007
-
No written review
