2008 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red

The finest Rudd Estate Proprietary Red Rudd has yet made is the 2008. A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot and 14% Malbec, it offers up aromas of blue and black fruits, charcoal, white chocolate and flowers. The soaring aromatics are followed by a wine with fabulous concentration, a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood, a brilliant texture, a fabulous personality and loads of complexity as well as full-bodied richness. This potentially legendary proprietary red already possesses remarkably sweet tannin. It will be drinkable early (because of its density, ripeness and velvety texture), but it should age effortlessly for 20-25 years. Bravo! Ever since Leslie Rudd acquired this estate, formerly known as Girard, at the corner of the Silverado Trail and the Oakville Crossroads, he has been hell-bent to build it into not only one of the finest in Napa Valley, but in the world. This has involved a number of bold moves, including installing super-star David Abreu as vineyard manager, bringing in Pat Sullivan as the winemaker, and hiring Bordeaux’s globe-trotting consultant, Michel Rolland. The current portfolio is Rudd’s strongest to date. The Bordeaux varietal offerings come from one of Napa Valley’s classic sectors, which many people believe is the sweet spot for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, the Oakville Corridor. Rudd’s neighbors include such renowned estates as Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle and Plumpjack. Tel. (707) 944-8577; Fax (707) 944-2823