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2019 - 2044
Blended of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, the 2015 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red Wine has a very deep purple-black color and is scented of freshly crushed black currants, blackberries and black cherries with touches of cedar chest, pencil lead, menthol, Chinese five spice and violets, plus a waft of sandalwood. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is very finely crafted with amazing freshness and vivacity, framed by firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins and finishing with lingering exotic spice notes. 758 cases were made.
Located in what Robert Parker refers to as the “tenderloin” of the Oakville corridor within the Plumpjack, Dalla Valle and Screaming Eagle neighborhood, considerable measures have been taken at Rudd’s vineyard in recent years to lift the quality of the Oakville Estate wine to its true potential. Some tough vineyard decisions meant grubbing up large blocks of Merlot to change the row orientations, establish cane pruning and replant to better-suited Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, it appears the vineyard is altogether receiving a whole new level of pampering, including organic if not biodynamic farming methods. That and a brand new state-of-the-art winery, which made even my world-winery-weary jaw drop, certainly seems to be kicking the vivacity, layers and polish of Rudd’s flagship wine up a notch or two in recent vintages. Expect this incredibly well-placed estate to be giving its illustrious neighbors a run for their money in years to come.
