Inglenook Rubicon - Napa Valley 2015 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Wine Enthusiast

95 / 100

byVirginie Boonethe1/8/2019

From the esteemed producer's gorgeous estate, including 3% Merlot, this is impressive and structured—a leathery, viscous and concentrated expression of a great site in an intense vintage. Gunpowder, oak and black-cherry compote form around brightly captured acidity and a lasting fistful of baking spice that lingers and softens the finish.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

the1/1/2019

This has an alluring beam of creamed raspberry and boysenberry fruit rolling through, laced with warmed red licorice, toasted vanilla and cedar hints. Has weight but comes off as stylish in the end. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2030. 3,622 cases made

Vinous

96 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe12/1/2018

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is a dark, exotic beauty. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, and menthol make a strong opening statement as this bold, sumptuous wine shows off its personality. Radiant, supple and super-expressive, the 2015 is just as enjoyable as it has always been. The 2015 is just starting to open up, but it remains very, very young. Time in the glass brings out an attractive floral component that adds lift.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe10/29/2018

A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon bursts out of the glass with exuberant Chinese five spice, baked plums and crème de cassis notes with suggestions of sandalwood, dried mulberries, kirsch and menthol plus a touch of cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with loads of spicy flavors and fantastic freshness, framed by chewy tannins and finishing on a lingering earthy note. 3, 622 cases produced.

Decanter.com

94 / 100

byLinda Murphythe9/28/2018

Owner Francis Ford Coppola has a gem with winemaker Chris Phelps, formerly of Swanson Vineyards, Dominus and Petrus. He joined in 2016, working with Château Margaux’s Philippe Bascaules to reshape winemaking here. The Cabs are fresher, more elegant and balanced; this 2015 is fleshy and generous, without being extracted.

Vinous

95 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe3/1/2018

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is rich and sumptuous in the glass, yet has plenty of supporting structure. Gravel, smoke, grilled herbs, licorice and new leather give the 2015 many of its aromatic signatures. Rubicon can often be unctuous, so I was surprised to see the 2015 showing quite a bit of reserve. Some of that may be attributable to its recent bottling. We will see.
95+

Jeb DUNNUCK

95 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe12/29/2017

A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, the 2015 Rubicon is slightly deeper in color than the 2014 and offers a deeper, more concentrated, yet slightly compact style that's common in this vintage. Blackcurrants, scorched earth, cedary spice, leafy herbs and licorice all flow to a ripe, beautifully concentrated, deep wine that needs 5-7 years of cellaring and will make for incredible drinking over the following 15+ years. 95+

Jamessuckling.com

95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe12/21/2017

Aromas of walnut, dark berry and dark chocolate follow through to a full body, with super integrated tannins and a long and focused finish. Wonderful balance and finesse for the vintage. 97% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe10/31/2017

Containing a 3% splash of Merlot, the inky purple-black 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon shows some oak on the nose with blackberries, cassis and licorice plus cigar box and tilled soil hints. Full-bodied and concentrated with firm, grainy tannins, it's soft spoken and elegantly crafted, with a mineral suggestion on the finish.
93+

Vinous

93-96 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe12/1/2016

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is raw and almost shockingly primary. The richness and concentration of the vintage is felt in the wine's tannic heft and pure power. Time is going to be essential in helping the 2015 come together. There is simply a lot of everything here.