Rutherford

Rutherford is a sub-region of Napa Valley, USA.

Growers build the wines around Cabernet Sauvignon, filling out the blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, plus two more.

The ground underneath is alluvial and gravel.

The climate is mediterranean, running fog-prone.

The vineyards themselves read as mountains.

Red wine and dry white wine is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows rich, full-bodied and structured and fresh and fruity.

Names to look for on a shelf: Caymus, Grgich Hills, Inglenook and Scarecrow.

At the table these bottles work with grilled meats, rich pasta dishes, aged cheeses and dark chocolate desserts.

Serve at 15 to 18°C.

Keeps for 5 to 15 years.

In the glass.

Red: Rich, Full-bodied and structured.

Dry white: Fresh and fruity.

Grapes planted here.

Producers worth knowing.

Bottles to look for.

• Beau Vigne 'Old Rutherford' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA
• Beaulieu Vineyard BV Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA
• Dana Estates Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, USA
• David Arthur Estate Elevation 1147 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, USA
• Freemark Abbey 'Bosche' Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, USA
• Freemark Abbey 'Sycamore' Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, USA
• Frog's Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, USA
• Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, USA

At the table.

• Grilled meats
• Rich pasta dishes
• Aged cheeses
• Dark chocolate desserts

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve at 15 to 18°C.
• Keeps for 5 to 15 years.

Nearby regions.

Rutherford: common questions

More from here: every wine region in USA, or the wider Napa Valley guide.