By Duckhorn Vineyards
2020 Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Source
The Rutherford winegrowing region has long been the source for some of the Napa Valley's most storied Cabernets, and, for many years, this coveted fruit has played an important role in our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Building on our experience with these exceptional grapes, this wine captures the essence of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, from its lovely layers of blackberry, cassis, and tobacco to the dusty minerality that has come to define the legendary wines from this appellation.

Vintage Details
Overall, 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 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.

Wine Details
Appellation: Rutherford
Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot
Aging: 16 months in 100% French oak; 50% new, 50% neutral
Alcohol: 14.50%
pH: 3.67
Acidity: 0.56 g/100 ml

Tasting 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.
[Information provided by Duckhorn Vineyards]

Wine: Duckhorn Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA 2020
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034
Review Date: 08/07/2024
Reviewed By: Jonathan Cristaldi
Tasting Notes: A very nice, classic Rutherford Cabernet leading with dusty minerals, vanilla-scented red berry fruits, and a hint of almond biscotti. Medium-bodied with plump, juicy red berry fruits, sweet baking spices, and sweet herbs, with fine-grained tannins, all leading to a dry finish punctuated by crushed stone minerals.

Wine: Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford 2020
Score/Rating: 90
Review Date: 11/16/2023
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes: Aromas of currants, blackberries and some bark follow through to a medium body with a subtle and easy finish. Drink now.