Sequoia Grove Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Trio

1 x 2004 Sequoia Grove Rutherford Branch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
1 x 2005 Sequoia Grove Rutherford Branch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
1 x 2006 Sequoia Grove Rutherford Branch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Although it isn’t technically a defined area within the Napa Valley, the Rutherford Bench area has been renowned for countless decades as the site and source of Napa Valley’s best Cabernet Sauvignon producers.

Wineries making wines from vineyards here include some of the greatest names in the history of Napa Valley: Beaulieu Vineyards, Inglenook, Heitz Martha's Vineyard, Bella Oaks, Robert Mondavi and Opus One. The special, reserve wines they craft from Rutherford Bench grapes are world-class expressions of ripe, decadent and intense Cabernets.

Tucked within this Rutherford Bench area rests a small grove of ancient Sequoia trees. Further within this small enclave sits the famed Sequoia Grove Winery, which has become synonymous with epic Cabernet Sauvignons nearly from their inception in 1980. Year in and out, Sequoia Grove’s director of winemaking Michael Trujillo and winemaker Molly Hill craft Bordeaux-style wines that show amazing variety expression, structure and balance with a true sense of place; a fresh approach yielding modern-day liquid treasures.

The Rutherford Bench Reserves are the flagship wines of Sequoia Grove. The reserves are predominantly Cabernet but utilize all five Bordeaux varieties each year to make wines of uncommon depth and polish. When we were approached by the winery with the opportunity to present these blockbusters exclusively to our Lot18 members, in an impossible to find vertical collection, we obviously leapt at the opportunity.

Tasting Note
The 2004 entices right away with refined but rich layers of cinnamon, sun-drenched blackberries, cocoa powder and toasted vanilla. The palate is silky and textured with notes of fresh cranberry compote, baking spices and a hint of licorice. There is a core of what can only be described as that famed Rutherford dust running throughout this wine, which adds structure and depth to the rich fruit flavors. This wine can be enjoyed now but will cellar beautifully for the better part of the next six to eight years.

The 2005 explodes into aromas of ripe black cherry, dusty currant, spiced blackberry and the faintest aromas of mocha powder. Layers of dark chocolate, cedar and an aromatic black plum note, all encased in a core of earthy minerality, coat the palate. The deep tannic structure of the dense Rutherford fruit combined with the restrained use of French Oak give weight and substance to this wine and helps ensure that this will drink handsomely for at least the next decade.

The 2006 is a brooding, deep wine. Inky red in color with an immediate torrent of juicy, Bing cherries and fresh raspberries with background notes of roasted red plum. Caramelized toast, cinnamon and clove aromas help frame the long, layered finish. There is a hint of sage, cigar box, warmed baking spices. More than enough acidity and tannin are present to hold this wine for the next 12 to 15 years.

Enjoy these stunners with savory full-bodied meats such as roasted rack of lamb, wild mushroom risottos and slow-braised Moroccan Pork shoulder.

—Kevin Boyer

Kevin Boyer has 16 years of wine experience, most recently as VP of beverage for Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc. He also co-founded the critically acclaimed boutique Napa Valley winery, BOYANCI. Kevin is a nationally recognized sommelier affiliated with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Society of Wine Educators and many other global wine organizations. Learn more about Kevin here, or follow him on Twitter: @kevinboyanci