2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask

Proprietor Francis Ford Coppola continues to move forward with his project to restore Inglenook, one of Napa Valley's historic estates, to its previous glory. Coppola has certainly been willing to put everything on the line, bringing in viticulturist Stéphane Derenoncourt in 2008 and winemaker Philippe Bascaules, from Château Margaux, in 2011. Naturally, it is too early to see the results of these two very high-profile hires, but count me among those who are highly interested to see what develops here over the next few years. There are now essentially two Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. The Cask is made from vineyards on the front portion of the property bordering Highway 29, while Rubicon is made from vineyards located at the back of the estate. Inglenook will no longer bottle other single-variety wines.