2013 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L (Winery Direct Library Release))

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is exquisitely layered and nuanced, yet also captures plenty of the vintage's intensity and pure power. Inky dark fruit, licorice, dark spices, menthol and new leather are all laced together in a super attractive, mid-weight wine loaded with nuance and personality. With time in the glass, the 2013 blossoms nicely and acquires more savory, cedar, tobacco and underbrush notes. Inglenook continues to be one of the great turnarounds in Napa Valley over the last few years. Philippe Bascaule has done a terrific job in honing on quality while re-establishing a more classic style by picking earlier and refining the approach to cooperage. Today, there are essentially three Cabernets; the flagship Rubicon emerges from parcels at the back of the property that have historically been the most prized, while the straight Cabernet Sauvignon (formerly known as Cask) draws on parcels throughout the estate, but tends to focus on the front side of the property. Inglenook's 2012s continue to develop positively, while the 2013s capture all of the potential I sensed when I tasted them from barrel last year. In addition to the bottled wines, I also tasted two 2014s that express the linear energy of the vintage nicely. Those wines suggest quality is still on the rise. (AG)