Rating for United States-California: 96 (excellent)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>

This vintage of Cuvée Rutherford is dark and dense, and reveals abundant spice qualities due to the inclusion of Syrah and Zinfandel. Furthermore, the palate is complex, oscillating between a variety of red and black fruits—Cabernet contributing distinct cherry impressions, Syrah providing plums and blackberries, and Zinfandel showing off sweet jammy raspberries. Adding to the uniqueness of this wine is the barrel treatment we employ. From our initial trials several years ago, we found that, like the varied composition of the blend itself, aging in a blend of American and French Oak barrels harmonized the texture of the wine and provided balance and a longer finish.