Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
(Rutherford, California) - [VM 94] [WA 92] [WS 92] [WE 92] [TWI 91] [JD 91]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to John Daniel Jr., who produced the much-heralded Inglenook 1941 Cabernet Sauvignon from vine cuttings brought from Bordeaux to the Inglenook Estate by founder Gustave Niebaum. Today, this standout wine is still crafted with organically-farmedfruit grown exclusively on our estate

2019 Vintage Notes:
A wet winter just before the 2019 growing season fed our vineyards and a cool spring gave way to budbreak in the second week of April. That led to excellent conditions for an early bloom which occurred just after more rain in late May. The resulting 2019 crop was generously proportioned, and while July was cool, warmer temperatures in August and September promoted very gradual, even ripening. A diverse selection of blocks from nine discrete vineyard areas on the estate contributed to our 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to excellent weather during harvest, we were able to pick blocks sequentially, at optimal ripeness, beginning September 20th (Gate Cabernet Franc) and finishing on October 17th (Red Barn Cabernet Sauvignon)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Stunningly deep ruby in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with heady aromas of brambly black cherry, vanilla, warm brioche, and crème de cassis. As the wine warms on the palate, notes of red cherry, graphite and fennel emerge, as very polished, refined tannins carry the wine into a long, fragrant finish. Layered flavors, good tension, and a perfect integration of wine and oak interact to create this classic expression of Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon.

Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley

Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc

Vineyard: Chateau, Cohn, Creek, Gate, Gio, La Lomita, Lower Cask, Red Barn, Walnut

Alcohol: 14.2%

Barrel Regime: 19 months - 100% French Oak, 50% New Oak

Bottled: June 2021

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most potent wines I have tasted from Inglenook in a long time. Readers should be patient, as the 2019 is a mere infant. A rush of black cherry, mocha, licorice, spice and leather builds as this sumptuous, towering wine gradually opens with a bit of aeration. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in bottle, as the grippy tannins need time to soften." – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2022)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vibrant notes of crushed black raspberries, black plums and blackcurrant pastilles, plus hints of underbrush and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied with intense, pure black fruit flavors, the fruit is well-framed by ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with a skip in its step." – LPB (Oct 2021)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Leads with a nice sweet bay leaf hint, followed quickly by singed cedar and loam before the core of reserved red and black currant fruit finally starts to unfold. Warm earth-framed finish. A touch old school, with some muscular character. This should age nicely. Best from 2024 through 2034. 10,300 cases made." – JM (Oct 2022)

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Earthy and high-toned, this elegant and structured wine was blended with 4% Cabernet Franc. Supple in tannin and well integrated in oak, it finishes in a floral touch of violet." – Virginia Boone (Nov 2022)

91 Points - The Wine Independent:
"Made from 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored. It comes bounding out with exuberant notes of crushed black cherries, juicy blackcurrants, and spice cake, plus touches of espresso, tilled soil, and black olives. The medium-bodied palate is juicy and refreshing, delivering plush tannins and a spicy kick to the finish." - LPB (Aug 2024)

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Starting with the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, this ruby/plum-hued effort displays attractive currants and savory black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco, savory herbs, leather, and earth. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's nicely textured, moderately concentrated, and balanced, with outstanding length. 10,608 cases." (Mar 2022)