2013 Rudius Kaley Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon

Rudius in Napa was started in 2005 by Jeff Ames. Ames had been part of the winemaking teams at Schrader, Maybach, Outpost and Tor before starting his own label. Brittany Savory Ames, whose background is in sales and finance, joined Rudius in 2008. Grapes are sourced from throughout Napa and Sonoma. Rudius produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Chardonnay and Rhone blends. Ames’ wines, at Rudius and elsewhere, earn ratings in the high 90s and compliments from reviews, including California wine reviewer James Laube, who listed Ames as one of ten California winemakers who in 2012 made outstanding wines.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

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.