Gold Medal- 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Tasting Comments
R&B Cellars is one of the many "urban wineries" that have popped up in the San Francisco Bay area that take advantage of their proximity to the vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and the rest of the North and Central Coast. While many of these wineries are producing excellent wines, R&B has stood out in our tasting as exceptional not only for the quality of their wines, but also the value for money that they represent. R&B has several inexpensive wines that are wonderful, but their reserve wines really shine, and the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of their production. But at only $35 on WineHeist, it also represents an unbeatable value for Napa Cabernet of this quality.
The 2006 R&B Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a single vineyard in Calistoga, with vines averaging 35 years of age yielding tiny, concentrated grapes packed with flavor. Ruby plum in color, this reserve Cab shows classic aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and mint. The palate shows blackberry, blueberry, cherry and spice, with firm tannin extending the finish. Spicy with good acid, this wine beautifully shows the character of these aged Cabernet vines. A small (3%) addition of Merlot from the same vineyards adds extra depth and complexity. This Cab is drinking beautifully now, but should age nicely for at least another five years. At this price, this one is going to be sold-out fast, so don't miss the chance to snag some of Napa's finest!
Vineyard
Bingham Ranch - The Bingham Ranch in Calistoga is one of the oldest cabernet vineyards in the Napa Valley, dating back to 1850s. There are three parcels of vines used in our cabernet, one is 55 years old another is 35 years old and the third is 17 years old. It is a small berry clone with very low yields, approximately one and a half tons per acre. The resulting fruit is very intensely flavored with a rich dark blackberry profile that makes intensely structured cabernet sauvignon.
Cellar Practices and Winemaking
Perfectly ripe grapes were harvested in late October early November 2006. They were crushed into a stainless tank and cold soaked at 50°F for 5 days. The temperature was increased to 70°F, and cultured yeast fermentation started and lasted thirty days at a peak temperature of 90°F. The grapes were gently pressed and the resulting wine racked into barrels, which were 100% new French oak 60 gallon barrels from ten different French coopers: Vicard, Seguin Moreau, St. Martin, Billon, Trieul, Ermitage, Boutes, Jarnac, Bel Air and Chalufour.
Winemaker’s Comments
This 2006 R&B Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an extraordinary wine with remarkable depth and complexity. It exhibits a huge core of dark black cherry fruit with elements of dark black currant, tea, blackberry and violets in the bouquet. The small addition of Merlot enhances the mouthfeel, adds complexity, and a touch of sweet cherries. The flavors of dark black berry, currants, chocolate, and cassis are evident, with a huge juicy blackberry finish. This wine is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with all of the exotic spice and layers of fruit you would expect from a Reserve wine.
Vineyard: 100% Bingham Ranch, Napa Valley
Composition: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Merlot
Harvest Date: Oct 27 ~ Nov 4, 2006
Sugar at Harvest: 25.2 Degrees Brix
Total Acid: .69 gm/cl3.37
ph: 3.37
Aging: 22 months in 100% French Oak
Bottling Date: February 2009
Release Date: April 2011
Production: 600 750ml Cases
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
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