Inglenook-Niebaum-Pinnino, Rutherford – Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon “1882” 2019 ($58)

Historic winery, check; well-heeled owner, check; excellent vineyard material, check. Combining the classic Rutherford sub-region of Napa which offers dusty cocoa-like notes with restrained use of new wood focuses the aromas of this wine onto the crisp, crunchy black and red fruit of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The crunch conjures the image of biting into a turgid, fresh grape, while the aromas retain a somewhat unique sense of freshness. The wine lingers on the palate with slightly firm, but fine-grained tannins that echo a tea-like savory edge. I respect and enjoy the restraint in this wine, as opposed to the double-barrel, full-throttle style found elsewhere in the Valley. This should be exceptional with simply prepared grilled beef or even lighter preparations like shabu shabu or bistro-style roasted chicken.
93 Andrew Holod