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Sonoma: April
1, 2004 Just off
the Silverado Trail with views overlooking the Rutherford Bench you will
find Rutherford Hill Winery.
In 1976 the founders of
Rutherford Hill realized Napa Valley's climate and soil were similar to
Pomerol, and
suited to growing Merlot. From a handful of the most select Napa
vineyards they source their grapes to
produce their premiere wines.
Entering through the
massive doors of the tasting room you find a gift shop and tasting bar.
From the
Tasting Room you can see into the winery and the large stainless steel
holding tanks. We spent some time
one afternoon touring the winery and caves, finishing with a tasting of
several wines. To read our notes click on this link Tasting Notes
Rutherford Hill has also
become quite well known for their extensive hillside cave
system. The mile-long
caves hold over 8,000 oak
barrels in which all of the wines are aged. This unique,
natural environment
enhances the wine-aging process. The caves maintain a year-round
temperature of 59 degrees and a
consistent humidity level of 90%. This uniform temperature and humidity
level reduces wine evaporation
and excess oxygen exposure, producing gracefully aged wines. It is the
most impressive system of caves
we have visited. You may even schedule private dinners or 'Wine
Seminars' in the caves.
Winery Information |
The Wine Guide