Rutherford Estate – Rutherford Bench Appellation – Single Vineyard
Our Rutherford Estate was the first vineyard Dave purchased back in 1988 and where it all began! Our first vintage from this property was 1993 and the 2023 vintage marks our 31st vintage produced. This appellation is very special and grows some amazing world-class wines. Giovanni and Desiree love these wines and collect them heavily for our family library. This vineyard is sophisticated, elegant and produces classic Napa Valley Cabernet highlighting its famous “Rutherford Dust” characteristics. These wines are extremely balanced and softer than some of our other vineyards but still come from amazing pedigree with rootstalk from Chateau Margaux cuttings that show subdued power.
The Rutherford Estate consists of 21-year-old vines planted in sandy loam soils. Located on the famous “Rutherford Bench” of the Rutherford Appellation. The Vineyard is planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese with spacing of 7′ x 10’ with an East-West row alignment. Typical production is 2.5-3.0 tons per acre. The vines are bilateral cordons with a quadrilateral trellis system. Wine characteristic are typical of the Rutherford appellation with bright fruit aromas, a broad mid palate and classic Rutherford dusty chocolate finish.
The Rutherford Viticultural Area is approximately six square miles and sits in the widest part of the Napa Valley. Because of this unique location the vines spend more time in the sun than any other appellation in the Napa Valley. However, warm summer days give way to cool evenings. This area experiences an average 12 degree drop in temperature at sunset throughout the growing season. Great amount of sun exposure and the alluvial soils of the area produce wines which are ripe and full flavored. This appellation covers some 6,650 acres and was established August of 1993.
The Rutherford David and Rutherford Estate Cabernet are always two top picks every year. We are in the process of replanting this vineyard, so production has been extremely limited the past few years. We make so little of these wines that we hardly advertise them, as they sell out so quickly. They are some of the best-kept secrets here at Del Dotto.
The Rutherford Estate David is a classic Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This is a magical wine that is a delight to sip on and enjoy the layers of flavor it has to offer. A rare blend that we have been producing since 1999 it is another one of my favorite wines we make that has a following to those “in the know” here at Del Dotto.