2022 Rudd Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 2022 Oakville Estate flagship wine was fermented in stainless steel, concrete, and a small proportion in barrel. Blending took place a year after malolactic fermentation, with the wine aged 22 months in 50% new French oak before bottling. Like Crossroads in this vintage, the blend leans more heavily on Cabernet Franc, with a touch of Petit Verdot adding structure. According to winemaker Natalie Bath, this wine represents the ultimate expression of the site. Expressively mineral, with succulent graphite intensity, floral lift, and a hint of sagebrush. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, driven by cassis, tobacco, and cedarwood, with structured tannins framed by terrific acid grip. The tannins have an intriguing dusty mineral character, making them feel suave, velvety, and mysterious, yet they remain foundational, framing the plump, juicy currant and dark berry fruit. Extremely long and bright, light on its feet with excellent tension and a recurrence of that red dusty mineral-floral character on the long finish. ~97 Decanter

A pretty, velvety and deep red that's beautifully floral in aromas and rich in dark fruit and sweet oak spices on the palate. Rose petals and red plums on the nose, with blackcurrants, blueberries, chocolate and cherries on the palate. Full-bodied, smoothly tannic and broad in texture. A majority of cabernet sauvignon complemented by 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2029. ~96 James Suckling

Based on 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 47% new French oak, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a terrific wine that will compete with anything in the vintage. Ripe black fruits, scorched earth, leather, and graphite all emerge from the glass, and it's rich, medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, some firmer tannins, and a layered mouthfeel that gains richness and depth with time in the glass. It's terrific today yet I see no reason it shouldn't evolve for 10-15 years if well stored. Drink 2025-2040. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck

Singed alder, bay and earth hints weave in and out of a core of gently mulled blackberry and boysenberry fruit. This doesn't show a lot of energy, but more than some in this vintage. Knit well, with the fruit having persistence through the warm loam finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032. 923 cases made. ~92 Wine Spectator