Rudius 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Panek Vyd., St. Helena, Napa Valley

Rudius is a boutique winery in Napa Valley producing tiny quanitites of single vineyard Cab and Syrah. Though small, they have enough clout to source grapes from prime vineyards and turn out high scoring wines like this Panek Vineyard Cab. Panek Vineyard is located just north of the town of Saint Helena, near the historic Bale Grist Mill. Originally cultivated as an old vine Zinfandel vineyard, the current Cabernet plantings were established in 2005 as a mix of five different clones. In 2014, they allowed the Panek Vineyard Cabernet 33 months of extended barrel aging and the results are simply stunning!

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 96 points saying "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is straight up classic Napa Valley all the way. Coming from a site north of Saint Helena and vines planted in 2005  (originally planted to Zinfandel) and seeing an extended élevage of 33 months in barrel, its saturated purple color is followed by terrific crème de cassis, blueberry, graphite/lead pencil, chocolate, and ample spice. More unevolved and backward than the other 2014s from winemaker Jeff Ames, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age but will have 2-3 decades of longevity."

and the Wine Advocate scored it 96 points as well saying "The deep garnet-purple colored 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard (all 337 clone, aged 33 months in oak) opens with earthy notes of mossy bark, tilled black soil and black truffles over a core of cassis, blueberries and warm plums with touches of menthol and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with blue and black fruits, supported with a firm, grainy backbone and a lively line, finishing with great length and depth. 220 cases made."