Inglenook Vineyard Revisited

 

Inglenook Vineyard is making some very nice Cabernet Sauvignon wines at prices that are reasonable for such quality.  It is also one of the most picturesque wineries in the Valley and one of the few wineries that even people who don’t drink wine should visit.

When we visited Inglenook Winery in February of 2011, it was known as Rubicon Estate and had been known previously as Neibaum-Coppola.  In April of 2001 they restored the traditional Inglenook name.  Inside the gorgeous Inglenook Chateau is a spectacular tasting room and a museum that begins on the ground floor and continues up the staircase to a second level.  Here you will see early movie projectors (zoetropes and magic lanterns), many interesting photos, Captain Neibaum’s private tasting room, and a Tucker…yes, there is a beautiful Tucker automobile on display.  It is best to visit on a weekday or during off-season.  We went on a Tuesday morning in December (12/20/11) and there was hardly anybody there.  If you go on a weekend or during the summer, there will probably be crowds of people there.

In my last review, I commented on how good the wines were, especially the two Cabs we tasted.  The current tasting is $25 for four four-ounce pours, all Cabernet Sauvignons.  Our first was the 2007 Captain’s Reserve at $48.  As good as this 2007 was, I remember the 2006 Captain's Reserve last time as being even better.  2007 Cabs seem to be improving quite a bit with time, though, so this one might turn out as good as the 2006.  This was followed by two single lot 2007 Cabs, Lot Twenty-Two and Lot Four, both at $65.  Both were good but I preferred Lot Twenty-Two with its cherry and chocolate on the palate.  Lot Four, however, had a great aroma.  Both are 100% Cab.  Last time we visited, we had the 2007 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon that was scored 95 by Wine Enthusiast.  As much as I liked it, I thought back then that it needed more time.  The 2008 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon that we sampled this time was also $65 ($48.75 for club members.)  It had one of the most incredible aromas I’ve ever encountered.  With my nose several inches above the glass, I got distinct maple syrup.  I grew up back East where we made a lot of maple syrup so I am extremely familiar with the smell.  Much thanks to our wine host to pointing this out.  This was the first time I ever got a pronounced maple nose on a Cab and it really was delightful.  Although this Cab is quite drinkable now, it should improve significantly with time.  This 2008 CASK Cab is necessary buy.  Service was very professional.

Please see our   Previous Visit

Inglenook Vineyard
1991 St. Helena Hwy
Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 968-1100
Date of return visit 12/20/2011