Inglenook : Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Plump and broad, with a loamy edge marking the dark plum and black currant fruit flavors, while hints of singed cedar and vanilla fill in on the finish. Has Rutherford character, but is a touch shy on definition in the end. Best from 2025 through 2032. 3,600 cases made.

Crushed black and red currants with flowers such as red roses and violets. Full-bodied with layers of medium velvety tannins. Lovely depth and richness. Broad. Drink or hold.

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is potent and brooding in feel. According to winemaker Chris Phelps, there is no smoke taint in 2020, but the harsh tannins and a rough mouthfeel are impossible to overlook, out of context even for wines bottled in 2020. The finish is compact and aggressive. Unfortunately, there is little pleasure to be found here.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon, in the 2020 vintage, is composed of 98.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.5% Merlot at 14.0% ABV. It matured for 20 months in French barriques, half of them new. Massive, viscous color. Spicy and intense on the nose, it seems less aromatic than the 2019 but offers more volume and richness. Dense and textured, with a cool structure, Inglenook shows a typical, clear-cut US Cabernet profile—full-bodied, not too broad, with great verve and sweet tannins, alongside a slightly rustic edge. A very appealing Napa Cab.

Dark ruby velvet in colour, earthy and concentrated, showing concentrated and muscular Cabernet typicity with its cassis and bilberry fruits, ink, graphite and tar, softened by violet flowers, grilled sandalwood and cedar. Great quality, delicious, intense and drawn out, give it a few years to fully open up. 95ha, director Todd Devincenzi, winemaker Philippe Bascaules.

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, with 1.5% Merlot in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of creme de cassis, blackberry pie, and black cherry compote jump from the glass with touches of Indian spices and potpourri. The medium-bodied palate is laden with fragrant black fruit preserves, supported by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a spicy lift.

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon stands out for being virtually equal to the Rubicon at a fraction of the price. While moderately less complex, it delivers waves of black cherries without any of the vintage's characteristic coarseness. Instead, it's medium to full-bodied, supple-creamy in feel and long, with a fine dusting of a cocoa powder making an appearance on the finish.