To most Americans Francis Coppola is the legendary director of films such as The Godfather and Rumblefish, in the wine world Coppola is the instrument of an historic vineyard being returned to greatness. If you were a connoisseur of California wines in the 1960's you were aware that some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon's were made by Inglenook winery. Yes, that Inglenook brand that now produces solid quality but generic and inexpensive bag in the box wines at one time was a luxury estate. In 1975 Mr. Coppola purchased the vineyard in Rutherford with the intent of returning the estate to prominence. The backbone of the 235 acre property now known as Rubicon is the "Garden Vineyard", home to the unique Cabernet Sauvignon clone founder Gustave Niebaum brought to California from France in 1882. Over the last decade Rubicon Estate, a Cabernet Sauvignon based blend and the winery's top wine, has consistently received rave reviews and and has become known as one of California's great gems.
Rubicon Estate 2007 is certainly representative of this wonderful vintage. The wine is rich, powerful and opulent, with dark cherry notes on the palate and a a nose full of violets and hints of tobacco. While this wine is delicious right now, the balance of fruit, natural acidity and tannin all lead one to believe Rubicon Estate 2007 will continue to improve with age.
Francis Ford Coppola (Rubicon)
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