2005 Rubicon Estate "Rubicon" Rutherford Red Blend

96 points and #17 on the Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2009: "Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, with no Merlot or Cabernet Franc for the first time, the ’05 Rubicon tastes bigger and more impenetrable than any previous vintage. It’s thick and heavy at this time, with furry tannins and undeniably ripe flavors of blackberries, black currants, cherries, violets, chocolate and cedar, and a tang of melted minerals. Desperately needs time in the cellar. Nowhere near ready for at least four years, and that may be conservative.Tasted three times, and better each time, a seriously good sign, and potentially a perfect wine." (June. 2009) 95 points from Robert Parker: "Unquestionably the finest wine I have ever tasted from this estate owned by well-known movie director Francis Ford-Coppola, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2005 Rubicon possesses wonderfully sweet cassis and black cherry fruit interwoven with dusty, loamy soil, licorice, and spice box notes. Opulent and full-bodied with abundant but sweet, velvety tannins, this 2005 is just beginning to develop its secondary nuances,and should evolve for 2-3 decades. Kudos, this is a superb achievement!" (Dec. 2009) 93 from Wine Spectator: "Supple-textured, ripe, rich and fleshy, with spice, currant, black cherry and wild berry fruit that's well-proportioned, drinking easily already. Firms up nicely on the finish, where the tannins have just the right touch of grip. Best from 2009 through 2016. 5,580 cases made." (10/08)