2003 Rudd "Oakville Estate" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
SKU #1020259
95 points
Wine Advocate
This wine’s reddish/brown label is the color of the rustic, volcanic, rocky soils found in this part of the Oakville Corridor. Composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 3% Malbec (14.9% alcohol), it boasts an opaque purple color along with a sumptuous bouquet of charcoal, scorched earth (reminiscent of Haut Brion), and intense black and blue fruits. Rich, opulent and full-bodied, this 2003 is performing even better than it did early on. Stunningly profound with some tannin still to shed, it remains somewhat tight and reserved, but the wine is bursting with enormous potential. Forget it for another 3-5 years and drink it over the following two decades. (RP) 95+
(6/2013)
91 points
Vinous
Full ruby-red. Cassis, licorice and minerals on the nose. Juicy and penetrating in the mouth, with complex, Medoc-like flavors of graphite, dark chocolate, violet and spices. As young and firm as this is, it comes across as considerably more lush than the Oakville cabernet sauvignon. Very strong wine, close in quality to the 2002. I can see this gaining in texture and richness for a decade or more. (ST) 91+
(5/2006)
Wine Spectator
Mature and drying, presenting a hint of nut and chicory, with dried dark berry, crushed rock, cedar and graphite notes. (JL)
(11/2013)