<a href='http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/'>Bach to Bacchus: Inglenook Vineyard Revisited</a>

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Inglenook Vineyard Revisited

Inglenook Vineyard is making some very nice Cabernet Sauvignon wines at prices that are very 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 would probably enjoy visiting.

Inglenook winery building

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 2011 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 and there was hardly anybody there. If you visit on a weekend or during the summer in the afternoon, there might be crowds of people there. It is very popular.

Inglenook Tucker car on second floor

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 Inglenook 2007 Captain’s Reserve at $48. As good as this 2007 was, I remember the Inglenook 2006 Captain's Reserve last time as being even better despite the stellar reputation that 2007 Napa Valley Cabs have. This was followed the Inglenook 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lot Twenty-Two and the Inglenook 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 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 Inglenook 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 Inglenook 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 some distinct maple syrup. I grew up back East where we made a lot of maple syrup so I am extremely familiar with the aroma. Much thanks to our wine host to pointing this out. This was the first time I ever got a pronounced maple syrup nose on a Cab and it really was delightful. Although this Cab is quite drinkable now, it should continue to improve with time. This 2008 CASK Cab was an essential purchase. Service was very professional.