2017 Inglenook Rubicon

98 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

This is absolutely delicious. Powerful, intense and concentrated with seductive black cherry and raspberry leaf aromatics. It slowly and steadily pulls you in and compares to the very greatest Cabernets in its excitement, structure and grip. As the liquorice, chocolate and cassis notes stretch out, it comes to a mouthwateringly slow conclusion. This keeps the savoury edge of Cabernet and the tannins give focus and poise. Opulent and concentrated, and very good. 100% new oak.

95 POINTS

James Suckling

This shows a wonderful core of ripe fruit with berry and currant character. Hints of spices and tobacco. Some cedar. Full-bodied, creamy and rich. Fresh. Beautiful length. Drink after 2022, but already so delicious.

95 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is another wine that has turned out very well. In this vintage, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Rubicon aren't that materially different. Red fruit, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. Here, too, I am quite impressed with the wine's freshness.

94 POINTS

Virginie Boone - Wine Enthusiast

Made from 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, this grand estate wine is floral and well integrated, the tannins grippy yet refined. Iron, graphite, currant and cedar all play a part, with notes of dark chocolate, espresso and dried herb offering contrast and complexity. Enjoy best from 2027 through 2037.

94 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A barrel sample blend made up of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-black colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon displays a simply gorgeous nose of red roses, cherry pie, black raspberries and blackberry compote with touches of black tea, incense, cinnamon stick and tilled soil. Medium-bodied with a firm frame of grainy tannins, the palate delivers compelling layers of floral and earth-inspired flavors with a long, perfumed finish. 4,070 cases are estimated to be produced. Points: 93-95

93 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is rich and exotically ripe, a sort of 2015 with an extra kick of richness and voluptuousness, if you can believe that. Raspberry jam, cherries in liqueur, spice and wild flowers all race out of the glass in this rich, super-expressive edition of the flagship Rubicon. In 2017, Rubicon is a wine of real density and power. In 2017 winemaker Chris Phelps lowered the Cabernet Sauvignon a bit and raised the Merlot and Franc. Points: 92-95

92 POINTS

Wine Spectator

This is slightly taut in feel at first, offering red and black currant and cherry fruit spliced with singed cedar and grilled savory notes, ending with a slightly firm edge. But with some coaxing and air, the fruit shows more generosity, while the finish allows floral and mineral hints to show themselves. A restrained style worth cellaring, and a solid effort for the vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.