2012 Cosentino Rutherford Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon

Cosentino Winery was founded in 1980 by Mitch Cosentino, a one-time wine wholesaler. With four acres in Oakville and 25 leased acres in Napa Valley Cosentino built a winery in Oakville. The estate became known for Cabernet Sauvignon and especially Merlot. Cosentino makes an Estate Merlot which is only released in vintages when conditions are optimal. Today Cosentino is owned by Vintage Wine Estates, a Santa Rosa based consortium of family founded wineries. Cosentino makes a broad portfolio of red and white wines, including blends which often come with inventive names, such as a red Bordeaux-style blend called “The Poet.”

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.