Inglenook : Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

An indulgent and silky red wine from California

The estate

Located in the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley, Inglenook is a winegrowing estate created by Gustave Niebaum, a Finnish captain, in 1879. The estate’s wines quickly became reputed for their quality and richness.

From 1975, Francis and Eleanor Coppola gradually acquired the entire estate with the ambition of making Inglenook an iconic reference of Californian wines. The couple instigated major infrastructure renovations, hiring renowned winegrower, André Tchelistcheff, as a consultant, as well as Philippe Bascaules from Château Margaux to supervise vinifications.

A pioneering estate that constantly innovates, Inglenook owes its distinctiveness to the unique and authentic expression of its great terroirs through delicate, refined and perfectly balanced wines. These wines are recognised by many critics, as evidenced in 1990 when the Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 1941 obtained a 100/100 score from Wine Spectator.

The vineyard

Inglenook overlooks a 95-hectare vineyard certified in Organic Farming since 1991. The variations in the vineyard’s topography reflect the mosaic of terroirs in Napa Valley and contribute to Inglenook’s uniqueness. In 2015, the estate began an ambitious programme to replant an average of 2% of the vineyard each year so as to ensure the vineyard’s continuous renewal.

The wine

Produced with a rigorous selection of the estate’s best vineyards, the Cabernet Sauvignon by Inglenook is a tribute to John Daniel Jr., the grand-nephew of Gustave Niebaum’s wife, who, for some years, was at the head of the estate, succeeding the founder. John Daniel Jr produced the 1941 vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon from vine cuttings that were brought by Gustave Niebaum from Bordeaux.

The vintage

2018 was marked by rainfall during spring combined with moderate temperatures all throughout the season. These ideal conditions brought about a generous, high-quality harvest.

Winemaking and ageing

The Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 by Inglenook enjoys an 18-month ageing exclusively in French oak barrels, 43% of which are new.

Blend

The Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 by Inglenook is made from a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot.

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a beautiful, opaque ruby red.

Nose

The nose unveils fragrances of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, espresso and cedar.

Palate

The palate harmoniously combines power, concentration and balance. The palate seduces with its silky tannins, freshness and its vibrant structure, as well as its persistent and smooth finish.