Rudd Estates (Zurich): Comprehensive tasting of the Rudd Estates lineup (Sauvignon Blanc, Edge Hill Chardonnay, Samatha’s, Estate Red). The Samantha’s and the Rudd Estate are both marked by their cool profile, the dark and blue fruit. These wines are to Napa Valley what St. Julien is to the left bank: hardly ever early charmers but with a great purity, intense terroir expression and a sense of classicism. I find that style difference quite appealing, not only intellectually. Young, these Rudds probably don’t reach the heights of other superstar Napa wines but a comparative tasting at 20 years of age might have a different outcome. Anyway, it’s great to have some variety in the cellar that’s why I buy St. Julien and that’s why I should probably start buying some Rudd Estates Red (which clearly outshines Samantha’s in terms of depth and precision). What is missing to the most prestigious Napa Cabs? The weightlessness the very best wines (think Harlan) show.
TN: One of the best 2011, if not the best 2011 Napa wine I’ve had to date. This is so much dominated by the Cabernet Franc with very pure and fragrant red fruit, herbs and sous bois. Clearly different from all other reds today. It actually reminded me of the Chateau Lafleur 2009: not yet fully ready but shining with its soft, fragrant, almost fragile soul.
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A solid, well-balanced, medium-/ull-bodied, soft, elegant, fresh wine, with loads of ripe, blackberries, hints of licorice and dark plum. This is in the right place today for current drinking.
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Very nice 2011 Rudd. Still could use another or two in bottle. Too bad this valley floor fruit got hit by 2011 issues because this wine is wonderful and usually a 96 point wine for other bintages
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3/3/2022 - napasoutherner Likes this wine: 90 Points
more astringent Rudd. 2011 had issues and this one showed. More green/grass/light tones, more than I'd like.
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5/11/2020 - Deutsch Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for 2-3 hours. So smooth and rich. Drinking very well.
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12/20/2019 - Cailles wrote: 95 Points
Rudd Estates (Zurich): Comprehensive tasting of the Rudd Estates lineup (Sauvignon Blanc, Edge Hill Chardonnay, Samatha’s, Estate Red). The Samantha’s and the Rudd Estate are both marked by their cool profile, the dark and blue fruit. These wines are to Napa Valley what St. Julien is to the left bank: hardly ever early charmers but with a great purity, intense terroir expression and a sense of classicism. I find that style difference quite appealing, not only intellectually. Young, these Rudds probably don’t reach the heights of other superstar Napa wines but a comparative tasting at 20 years of age might have a different outcome. Anyway, it’s great to have some variety in the cellar that’s why I buy St. Julien and that’s why I should probably start buying some Rudd Estates Red (which clearly outshines Samantha’s in terms of depth and precision). What is missing to the most prestigious Napa Cabs? The weightlessness the very best wines (think Harlan) show.
TN: One of the best 2011, if not the best 2011 Napa wine I’ve had to date. This is so much dominated by the Cabernet Franc with very pure and fragrant red fruit, herbs and sous bois. Clearly different from all other reds today. It actually reminded me of the Chateau Lafleur 2009: not yet fully ready but shining with its soft, fragrant, almost fragile soul.
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12/9/2018 - Jeff Leve wrote: 91 Points
A solid, well-balanced, medium-/ull-bodied, soft, elegant, fresh wine, with loads of ripe, blackberries, hints of licorice and dark plum. This is in the right place today for current drinking.
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6/23/2017 - napasoutherner wrote: 92 Points
Very nice 2011 Rudd. Still could use another or two in bottle. Too bad this valley floor fruit got hit by 2011 issues because this wine is wonderful and usually a 96 point wine for other bintages
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