SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s selection from Rutherford Grove is truly a wine of elegance and distinction. If you are a fan of the great wines from Howell Mountain, this wine belongs in your cellar.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

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Mission Codename: Five Generations of Great Wines and Great Times

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an exceptional selection from family run Rutherford Grove.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2005 Estate Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Andy Pestoni

Backgrounder:

Napa County’s Howell Mountain AVA, established in 1984 is known for its wines of deep concentration and intensity. The higher elevation and relatively flat aspect make the location great for vineyards, and specifically Cabernet Sauvignon. The first vines in the Howell Mountain area were planted in the 1880s.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep dark purple and an almost inky and black core with highlighting garnet hues that sparkle as you swirl this wine. Deep garnet along the edges with alternating fast and slow thin legs that leave hints of this wine’s color on the sides of the glass.

Smell – Medium in intensity with aromas of soft blackberry and wild bramble that are layered over complex notes of savory herbs, toasted oak and hints of black licorice and dark chocolate.

Feel – Solid, rich and almost rustic in character, this full-bodied wine has fine firm tannins and well balanced acidity. Well structured, but not overpowering, as this wine opens up and breathes, its true finesse is revealed.

Taste – Rich and luscious dusty black-fruit including blackberry, black-cherry and a little plum are framed by toasted oak with vanilla hints, a touch of black licorice, mocha and dried fall herbs.

Finish – This wine finishes exceptionally long with lingering flavors of its spice and fruit that are well supported by this wine’s structure.

Conclusion – The 2005 Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards Estate Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is most deserving of all of its accolades. Well developed aromas, a fantastic rustic character that makes this wine accessible and at the same time shows finesse, classic Howell Mountain rich fruit supported by a structure that stands up but doesn’t overpower and a finish that just goes on and on. A wonderful wine, produced with care and the desire to let the fruit truly represent, it is perfect for a simple grilled Porterhouse steak. We recommend decanting and this wine will continue to develop for many years to come.

Mission Report:

Every now and then wine mixes with another passion, specifically my love of fine historic automobiles. So it was with great pleasure that we accepted an initiation to attend a specific wine tasting event at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles that was featuring the wines and wineries of the Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers Association. (To honest, given the magnitude of great wines, they could have hosted the event at a stock yard and I’d be there).

I asked one of my favorite tasting partners to join me, We’ll call her Agent Fire Cracker for now. So named as she is half French and half Columbian, I’ll let you guess which side won, but she has one of the most sophisticated palates of anyone I know and I wanted her judgment since I was likely to be swayed by all the four-wheeled distractions.

With so many great wineries represented this was both a pleasure but also a daunting task. So many great wines so little time. We used the W.I.N.E. (Wine Internet Nexus Engine) to help us narrow down the specific target wineries and their selections so we could focus on only the best. Fire Cracker and I, with our cover established covertly tasted the wines on our list. So many were great and over the next few months you’ll be presented with our findings.

Today, we are pleased to introduce you to one of those great wineries, the folks from Rutherford Grove and their delicious 2005 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Strategically located near Herbie – The Love Bug of Disney movie fame, this wine is equally a classic. The folks at Rutherford Grove have an extensive history of winemaker that dates back five generations. Winemaker, Andy Pestoni and the Pestoni family is committed not only producing wines of exceptional character but also to sustainable farming practices. After you taste today’s selection, we are sure you’ll agree that history, tradition and respect for the environment make all the difference.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.