The Rutherford Bench in front of Franciscan Estate is the whimsical representation of the geological terrain in which Cabernet reigns.
Rutherford ~ Napa Valley (AVA)
The Rising Threat of Regional Transparency
A Rutherford Dust Society Cabernet tasting shows the appellation’s strengths…and weaknesses.
by
Dan Berger
August 28, 2007
T a recent tasting-evaluation of a range of Rutherford AVA Cabernet Sauvignons from the 2004 vintage, members of the media were treated to about 30 wines that were, for the most part, pretty good. If you can overlook the price for some of them (in the $70 to $125 range), you could make a good case for this being the pinnacle of recent Napa Valley Cabernets, for at least three reasons:
1. 2004 was a good year, quality-wise, for Napa Valley red wines;
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