Country: US / Rutherford Bench
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California
Winery: Rutherford Grove / Napa Valley
The term “Rutherford Bench” is not a legal one, but colloquially refers to the west side of Highway 29, where the wines, supposedly, are better. And this is quite a good wine. It’s fresh and young in sweet tannins and acidity; everything’s not quite integrated yet, but it’s a big, rich, complexly balanced wine. Should come into its own by 2008, then hold for some years.