Inglenook Rubicon is made from 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Since its inaugural vintage in 1978, Rubicon has been the Estate's premier red wine, reflecting the soul of the property and expressing Francis Coppola's wish to create a Bordeaux-styled grand wine, that is, "a wine that can please contemporary taste, but with a historical aspect [that defines] our vineyards at their zenith."
Rubicon was named after the small river crossed by Julius Caesar in 49 B.C., declaring his intention to gain control of Rome, thereby launching a civil war among opposing factions. Over time the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has come to signify any irreversible action with revolutionary intent or the outcome of which holds great risk. True to its uncommon depth, Inglenook's Rubicon continues to be a testament to the finely tuned rendering of a risk well-taken.
Strikingly rich in color and extract, the 2018 Rubicon is unquestionably a precocious, hedonistic wine. The exotic, well-knit aromas and flavors include ripe cassis, allspice, star anise, vanilla and black licorice. Upon entry, this full-bodied wine envelops the palate with its luxurious concentration and supple, silky tannins, supported by vibrant freshness from the balanced acidity, and perfectly-integrated French oak. Very long and expansive in the finish, the 2018 Rubicon will be memorable for decades to come.
Review:
Subtle and complex red with blackberry, black truffle, sweet tobacco and mahogany. Highlights of lavender and violets. Full-bodied and very tight with finesse and tension. Very polished, fine tannins. Long finish. Delicious already, but best after 2022.
-James Suckling 97 Points
THREADCOUNT A BOLD QUILT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
California is a winemaker's playground, home to an incredible range of vineyard sites—from fog-kissed coastal hills to sun-drenched valleys. But as prestige regions have risen to fame, so have their price tags, leaving wine lovers to choose between splurging or settling. With THREADCOUNT, we believe world-class Cabernet should be an everyday luxury.
That's why we created THREADCOUNT California Cabernet—a wine that captures the richness, diversity, and spirit of California at a price that over delivers. Sourced from a curated blend of the state's most renowned AVAs, this Cabernet unites coastal freshness with inland ripeness for a balanced, fruit-forward, and deeply satisfying expression.
As a cornerstone of our portfolio, THREADCOUNT California Cabernet stands on its own while also serving as a gateway to our Napa Valley Quilt collection. Whether you're new to Cabernet or a longtime fan, this wine delivers bold flavor, smooth structure, and the unmistakable character of California in every glass.
This inaugural Cabernet is meticulously handcrafted by Joe Wagner, a fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker with an unwavering passion for farming grapes and producing luxury wines. Joe embarked on his wine journey in 2001 at the age of nineteen. His enthusiasm and innate winemaking talent became evident swiftly when he established his acclaimed single vineyard Pinot Noir label, Belle Glos. Joe later introduced Napa Valley Quilt, which rapidly ascended to the ranks of top 10 luxury wines in just five vintages. THREADCOUNT serves as an extension of the Quilt winemaking style, adapted for more laid-back occasions.
WINEMAKER NOTES
We produce Cabernet from a myriad of California's most renowned regions to make this one-of-a-kind, highly versatile and prestigious varietal. After de-stemming the berries, the grapes are cryo-extracted, followed by a brief cold soak to soften the skins and finally led into a chilled fermentation to maximize extraction over a long period, often 60 days on skins. During fermentation, punch-downs and pump-over techniques were performed in a combination of closed and open-top stainless-steel fermenters in order to extract every bit of color and tannin mother nature gave us. The wines are aged in 50% new French oak for between 12-16 months. After the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, it was racked every 6 months before the final blend was complete. This Cabernet is intended to be a full-force expression on the palate, with abundant forward fruit, spice, and breadth —making it a perfect match for hearty meals or a quiet evening by the fire.
TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Dark ruby red. AROMA: Complex aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, plum and toasty oak. PALATE: Rich and full-bodied, with dark berry fruit, toasty oak, smooth tannins, and a finish that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip. Beautifully rounded with an elegantly smooth finish accompanied by smooth tannins. Crafted for immediate enjoyment, but structured enough to age gracefully over a few years.
FOOD PAIRING: Pepper crusted pork chop and fingerling potatoes, lamb skewers or a pan seared chicken.