A Fine Wine Philosophy
This week, we are celebrating two new scores from Wine Enthusiast! Our 2020 Proprietary Red and 2020 Founder’s Blend both received a competitive 92 point score, reflecting the quality and value of these phenomenal blends from our Landmark Collection. Every single wine produced here at Rubino Estates involves a relentless pursuit of quality, so what sets Landmark wines apart from our other collections? To answer this, we will share about the philosophy behind the Landmark series.
In every wine, there is a truly infinite number of factors that influence the outcome of the wine. We consider everything from the genetic makeup of the vine to the soil it grows in, the yeast that ferments the juice, the oak it is aged in, and so much more. For Landmark Collection wines, we spare no expense at each step in the process. We use the finest grape vines. We drop fruit, cutting off clusters before they are mature so the clusters remaining are nourished by the vine, rich in quality and flavor. These grapes are harvested by hand, sorted by hand, and lightly crushed. Slow and careful is the name of our game when creating wines of this caliber. These are aged in fine oak with specialized yeast strains for premium results. Only the best fruit from the best soil becomes Landmark wines, meaning each vintage has a limited production.
Within our Landmark collection, you’ll find two blends: the 1885 Founder’s Blend and the Proprietary Red. Blends like these result in something truly unique that you can only get right here at Rubino Estates. With a blend, our winemaker is not constrained to a single varietal and is free to craft the best wine all around, hitting the mark in terms of aroma, body, flavor, tannin, and more. Working only with fruit that is grown on our property also allows us to keep an eye on the fruit and wine quality at every step of the process.
Our Proprietary Red is a top-secret blend and absolutely beloved by many of our staff and longtime members. The newly-released 2020 vintage features aromas of rich prune with accents of pink peppercorn followed by juicy raspberry and bing cherry on the nose. Savory elements with a touch of cocoa, blackberry, and ripe currant chime in on the palate, while red fruit and vanilla trail beautifully into the finish. This vintage boasts an enticing bright garnet hue and medium mouthfeel, built with tenacious tannin and elegant gravitas.
The Founder’s Blend commemorates the year 1885, when our estate vineyard was first planted and our place in California’s winemaking history and heritage was secured. Our 2020 vintage is a silky-smooth blend of 40% Barbera, 40% Petit Verdot, and 20% Syrah. Savor an opulent and alluring aroma of red fruit with prominent cherry character and a touch of violet. On the palate, comely flavors mirror the nose, accented by elegant oak notes of vanilla and toast. The body has enticing weight and seamless tannin integration, with acid balance that is ideal alongside your favorite dish.
For premium wines that never disappoint, choose the Landmark Collection!
If you want to taste these luxurious and phenomenal wines, consider our