Inglenook 2021

Inglenook estate is perhaps most famous for being owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola, though make no mistake, the wines which hail from here are excellent.

Inglenook's Story

Dating back to 1879, Inglenook wines were first noted in 1939 when Inglenook won more awards than any Californian wineries at San Francisco's Golden Gate International Exposition. The property was then sold and slowly divided. In the 1970s, part of the property was purchased again by Francis and Eleanor Coppola. They soon discovered the inherent treasure of what they now owned and vow, no matter how long it takes, to reunite all of the land and to restore Inglenook's esteemed reputation. They have achieved their goals and make truly remarkable wines.

The Vineyard

Inglenook covers 1,700 acres of land, of which 235 acres are vineyard plots. The soil is a mix of well-drained loam and deeper, more refined layers - a true representation of Napa Valley’s terroir diversity. They have long embraced organic farming and were among the first Napa Valley wineries to have vineyards certified organic more than 25 years ago.

What We Think

This is a property on the up with a bright future ahead. Inglenook wines have become a popular choice for wine investors due to their good aging potential (25-30 years), high critic scores and affordability in comparison with other Napa’s wine.

2022 - The Scores

Named after the river which was crossed by Julius Caesar in 49 B.C., Rubicon is produced from only the best plots and has been the Estate's premier red wine since its inaugural vintage in 1978. It reflects the soul of the property and expresses Francis Coppola's wish to create a Bordeaux-styled grand wine, that is, "a wine that can please contemporary taste, but with a historical aspect [that defines] our vineyards at their zenith.

A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon looks particularly promising. Delicate nuances of dried sage and thyme play among the ripe cherries, all framed by cedar and vanilla. It's medium to full-bodied and silky-textured, with a tart, mouthwatering finish and what should be ample longevity. - 96 Points Robert Parker

Attractive and compelling nose of dark cherries, currants, spiced plums, grilled herbs, barkcedar and baking spices. Hints of toasted oak. It’s medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Layered and well-structured with a delicate character on the palate. Such poise with a precise and complex, developing finish. An amazing wine with balance and harmony with great length. Better after 2026. - 98 Points James Suckling

The 2021 vintage of Ingelnook's icon red Rubicon blends Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Cabernet Franc (9%), and Merlot (4%) primarily from their Rutherford Bench estate parcels and is aged in 100% new French oak. The nose on this flagship wine is decidedly dark and expressive, with ripe, pure black fruit and liquorice aromas. Full-bodied with juicy black cherry, plum, and pomegranate fruit flavours on the palate framed by super fine, velvety, and integrated tannins with a very long, refreshing finish—including notes of blood orange and excellent mineral tension—that goes and goes and goes. - 98 Points Decanter

Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to John Daniel Jr., who produced the much-heralded Inglenook 1941 Cabernet Sauvignon from vine cuttings brought from Bordeaux to the Inglenook Estate by founder Gustave Niebaum. Today, this standout wine is still crafted with organically-farmed fruit grown exclusively on their estate.

Bright raspberries and cherries are accented by attractive notes of sage and bay on the nose of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted as a prospective blend prior to bottling, it's really promising, with great texture and length. - 95 Points Robert Parker

This is serious with a deep dark-fruited character, notes of iodine, black olives, charred bark, smoky flint and raw mushrooms. Full-bodied, so refined and polished with an array of ultra-fine, silky tannins that lasts for minutes. Broad and encompassing with a long finish. Hints of sea shell, iron and umami. Extremely well-made. Better after 2026. - 96 Points James Suckling

Inglenook's Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon acts as a second wine to their famed Rubicon red: in the Bordeaux tradition, lots that don't make it into their flagship are used here, aged in 50% new French oak. This 2021 comes from a historically dry Napa Valley vintage. It shows a beautifully deep ruby colour, lovely black plum fruit aromatics, and elegant cedarwood and mineral expressions. The lifted nose belies a full-bodied palate with intense tannins that sport a granular edge. Very pure black cherry fruits and a firm spine of refreshing acidity balance out the intensity, ending with excellent length, nuanced by fresh mineral tension. - 95 Points Decanter