Opened with the assistance of a Durand and decanted about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1981 Rubicon pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a combination of dried, ripe and tart, red and black fruits: mixed brambles, red and black currants, black cherry, tobacco, Poblano pepper, old leather, dried flowers, a mix of organic and inorganic earth, minerals and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium+ and sanguine. A rather remarkable ‘81 that seems almost evergreen when considering the color and condition of the fruit. In fact, it seemed to gain energy with air. Impressive. Drink now with a short decant and through 2041.
Opened with the assistance of a Durand and decanted about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1981 Rubicon pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a combination of dried, ripe and tart, red and black fruits: mixed brambles, red and black currants, black cherry, tobacco, Poblano pepper, old leather, dried flowers, a mix of organic and inorganic earth, minerals and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium+ and sanguine. A rather remarkable ‘81 that seems almost evergreen when considering the color and condition of the fruit. In fact, it seemed to gain energy with air. Impressive. Drink now with a short decant and through 2041.
May 27th, 2026
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
