The 2020 growing season in Oakville began with a warm, dry winter with March rains giving the soil nourishment heading into a mild spring. A summer with cool mornings and warm days fortuitously resulted in our earliest first pick of Cabernet Sauvignon in Rudd Estate’s history, starting on August 28th and ending on September 25th, before the Glass fire in Napa Valley started. These earlier picks, balanced with select picks of later ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, allowed us to craft a wine which captures a level of freshness while remaining true to our unique terroir in eastern Oakville.
In true Crossroads Cabernet Sauvignon expression, the fruit forward aromatics of this wine burst out of the glass with notes of sweet Bing cherries and candied plums. Intriguing threads of freshly brewed coffee, roasted herbs de Provence, and dried red earth balance the boldness of the summer fruit notes, creating a complete and elegant aromatic experience. Youthful and energetic on the palate, this wine is showing incredibly well for its age. A medley of boysenberries and tart raspberries ignite memories of summers spent hiking, finding wild brushes full of perfectly ripe treats along the path. Texturally bright and lightly dusty, the cedar and spice notes from the wine’s time in barrel is present, and perfectly balanced to add complexity and roundness to the finish. Whether we ended our hikes with a savory charcuterie plate or a summer BBQ back home, this wine pairs perfectly with great food, which will be remembered for years to come.