1998 Rudd Jericho Canyon Vineyard

The unfiltered/unfined 1998 Jericho Canyon Vineyard (2,850 cases) spent 16 months in French oak. A sensational effort, it is one of the stars of this challenging vintage. The opaque black/plum color is accompanied by aromas and flavors reminiscent of a blend of Cheval Blanc and La Mission-Haut-Brion from an overripe vintage. Notes of plums, cassis, blackberries, espresso, Asian spices, licorice, cedar, and tapenade make an appearance in both the aromas and flavors. Extremely full-bodied, with sweet tannin, an opulent/voluptuous texture, full body, brilliant purity, and low acidity, this wine represents a synthesis in style between an exotic right bank Bordeaux and a California Cabernet. Having achieved 14.2% alcohol naturally, it is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc from a vineyard in northern Napa Valley (the Rudd estate vineyards have not yet come into production). It is a winemaking tour de force. One can only imagine when the 45 acres of estate vineyards planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit-Verdot come into production what might be achieved since this vineyard's neighbors include such luminary sites as Phelps' Backus Vineyard, Dalla Valle, Screaming Eagle, Venge Family Reserve, Plumpjack, and Opus One. (Release date 03/01) Tel. (707) 944-8577; Fax (707) 944-2823