2020 Rudd Oakville, Estate Red, California, USA

Harvested over eight separate picks between 28 August and 14 September, which saw ripening expedited in Oakville and phenolics reaching peak maturity early because of the warmer vintage. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon balanced by 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc exudes the grace and refinement of Oakville—gorgeous aromas of cigar box, sagebrush, black currants, and spearmint.

Full-bodied with a rich tapestry of inky black fruits, rich dried rose petal florals, and emergent raspberry fruits atop pixelated tannins that cascade over the palate in pin-point fashion. It's an utterly intriguing Cabernet and one of the most compact and structured of the vintage. It's beautifully built with restrained aromatics and compact flavours and has excellent length. Wait to pop corks until 2024, and enjoy this one over the next 5-8 years.

Drink 2024 - 2032

Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter.com (September 2023)