Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend 2016

Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend 2016: A Napa Valley Gem

The Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend 2016 is a luxurious expression of Napa Valley's finest grapes. This meticulously crafted blend offers a complex and captivating drinking experience, perfect for discerning wine lovers.

Grape Composition:

This wine is a Bordeaux-style blend, featuring a core of Merlot (70%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (10%), Malbec (10%), and Petit Verdot (10%). This combination creates a harmonious balance of fruit, structure, and spice.

Aroma Profile:

On the nose, the Rutherford Hill Barrel Select 2016 unfolds with a captivating bouquet. Rich aromas of dark fruits dominate, with notes of blackberry, boysenberry, and black currant taking centre stage. Hints of plum and cassis add depth and intrigue, while subtle nuances of baking spice, such as clove and cinnamon, emerge. The influence of 18 months of ageing in French oak barrels becomes apparent through whispers of vanilla and toasty oak, adding a touch of elegance to the overall aromatic profile.

Palate:

The first sip of the Rutherford Hill Barrel Select 2016 reveals a full-bodied and densely packed palate. The core of dark fruit flavours from the nose translates beautifully, with a burst of juicy blackberry, plum, and black currant dominating the initial impression. The well-integrated tannins provide a pleasing structure, adding a sense of grip and mouthfeel without being overbearing. Hints of black pepper and earth add further complexity, while the oak influence remains subtle, providing a touch of vanilla and spice that complements the fruit flavours without overpowering them. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of oak.

Serving Suggestions:

To fully appreciate the complexity of the Rutherford Hill Barrel Select 2016, it's best served at a slightly cool room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving can further enhance the aroma and soften the tannins, allowing the wine to breathe and express itself fully.

Food Pairing:

The Rutherford Hill Barrel Select 2016's bold character and full-bodied nature make it a perfect match for a variety of hearty dishes. Here are some exceptional food pairings to consider:

• Red Meat: This wine pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted lamb, or braised beef. The tannins in the wine will stand up to the richness of the meat, while the fruit flavours will complement the savoury notes.
• Wild Game: The robust character of the Rutherford Hill 2016 makes it a great match for venison, wild boar, or duck. The wine's fruitiness will cut through the gaminess of the meat, while the tannins will provide a pleasing counterpoint.
• Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar, Gruyere, or Gouda cheeses pair exceptionally well with this wine. The creaminess of the cheese will balance the tannins in the wine, while the wine's fruit flavours will complement the nuttiness of the cheese.
• Mushroom Dishes: Earthy mushroom flavours create a harmonious pairing with the Rutherford Hill 2016. Consider pairing it with mushroom risotto, pasta with a creamy truffle sauce, or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Conclusion:

The Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend 2016 is a captivating expression of Napa Valley's viticultural prowess. This meticulously crafted blend offers a complex and rewarding drinking experience, showcasing the region's characteristic dark fruit notes, balanced acidity, and well-integrated tannins. With its versatility in food pairing, this wine is sure to elevate any dining occasion. So, uncork a bottle, savour the intricate flavours, and discover why the Rutherford Hill Barrel Select 2016 is a true gem from Napa Valley.