90 Points, Gold Medal - Affairs of the Vine
Gold Medal - Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
Gold Medal - Tasters Guild Int'l Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal - Consumer Wine Awards Int'l Judging
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 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of their production. But at only $40 on WineHeist, it also represents an unbeatable value for Napa Cabernet of this quality.
The 2007 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 58 years old, another is 38 years old and the third is 20 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 2007. 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. The Cabernet was blended in the classical way with small amounts of Cabernet Franc added from an El Dorado vineyard. The wine was aged for 36 months in oak and given an additional 18 months of bottle age prior to release.
Winemaker’s Comments
This 2007 R&B Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon continues our Cabernet legacy. It 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.
Vineyards: Bingham Ranch, Napa Valley
Composition: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 % Merlot
Harvested: Oct 27 ~ Nov 4, 2007
Sugar at Harvest: 25.2 Degrees Brix
Total Acid: .69 gm/cl
ph: 3.37
Bottled: August 2010
Production: 309 Cases
Cooperage: 22 months in 100% French Oak from 10 different French Coopers; Vicard, Seguin Moreau, Ermitage, Boutes, Jarnac, Bel Air, St. Martin, Billon, Trieul, and Chalufour, 100% new oak.
All Wines
95 Points, Double Gold
Deep ruby in color this wine is bountiful, juicy and structured. Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf. Impeccably balanced with fine dusty tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar.
90 Points
Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe dark fruits, wild berries, roasted fig, English Toffee, savory spices, and roasted walnuts. On the palate, the deep flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, black raspberry and pomegranate are layered with notes of wild sage, clove, nutmeg, and bittersweet chocolate. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Aromas of white peach, melon, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus and lemon zest. Notes of kiwi, pineapple, lemon, mango and papaya introduce a rich palate and a persistent mineral finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
95 Points
Opens with wild cherry cordial and fresh pomegranate layered with notes of baking spice and zest. Subtle touches of pink peppercorn lemon balm and sarsparilla carry through a savory palate. It's balanced, with silky layers and a juicy red core.
92 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
92 Points
Aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry, interlace with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. On the palate ripe and juicy flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry are perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of American oak.
Big, Bold & Juicy!
Bountiful, lavish and plush with aromas of plum, bramble berry, mocha, cedar, and red currant. Loaded with dark fruit, the mouth is full with a mix of red and dark berry, with notes of dark on the end. There is a touch of espresso, ripe black cherry, and petrichor. Nicely framed by generous French oak.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berry, ripe fig underpinned with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, savory spice, and cigar box. The palate is robust, youthful and bursting with natural energy. Flavors continue to expand vibrant dark cherry, blackberry, fresh currant, ripe plum, with hints of cassis, sage, mocha, cinnamon, and fine French oak.
93 Points
Rich dark black fruits, blueberries, blackberry bon bons, cassis, fragrant violets, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. Long, plush tannins alongside its dense fruit character. The palate delivers baked berry crisp, black and red fruits, toasted walnuts, brioche and cedar on the finish.
92 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
97 Points, Double Gold
Pure, delicious, vibrant with aromas of white peach and wild white plum on the nose, followed by ripe Persian lime, jasmine high times, tart green apple, and crisp star fruit. The mouth centers in with pomelo and ginger lime leading into a mid-palate of fresh squeezed lime over papaya and lime zest on top of light lemon curd.
Fresh, Bright & Crisp...
Aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of fresh herb and pomegranate. Though packed with fruit, this Rosé finishes dry, with a nice balanced finish.
PDF