Rubicon Estate 2005 "Rubicon" Rutherford Bordeaux Blend

96 points Wine Enthusiast

Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, with no Merlot or Cabernet Franc for the first time, the ’05 Rubicon tastes bigger and more impenetrable than any previous vintage. It’s thick and heavy at this time, with furry tannins and undeniably ripe flavors of blackberries, black currants, cherries, violets, chocolate and cedar, and a tang of melted minerals. Desperately needs time in the cellar. Nowhere near ready for at least four years, and that may be conservative.Tasted three times, and better each time, a seriously good sign, and potentially a perfect wine. *Cellar Selection*

95 points Connoisseurs Guide

Its altogether compelling aromas of concentrated cassis, careful oak and distinctive 'Rutherford dust' spice immediately signal that something special is going on here, and this head-turning wine more than follows through on its promise with genuinely layered, exceptionally deep flavors whose immense and incisive varietal fruit is met by a broad range of complexing spice, oak and loam elements. Big, balanced and appropriately tannic, this year's Rubicon is years away from reaching its full potential and is very much meant for the cellar. *Three Stars*

95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Francis Ford Coppola, the famous director, purchased Inglenook Wine Estate. The 2005 Proprietary Red Rubicon is a stunner from the famous estate vineyards first planted by Gustave Niebaum more than 100 years ago. Dense ruby/purple, the wine reveals classic, almost Graves-like scorched earth and volcanic notes mixed with blackberry, cassis and iron. Full-bodied, fresh and lively, with luscious, rich fruit, a good, heady glycerin level (14.8% alcohol) and well-integrated acidity, wood and tannin, this beauty is set for another two decades of evolution. (RP)

93 points Wine Spectator

Gorgeous and drinking well, with ripe, plump plum, blackberry and currant flavors. This is supple and juicy, with fleshy tannins, ending with a touch of charry creosote and mint. (JL, Web-2015)