Rutherford Hill AJT Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Wine, 750 ml

Flavor Profile

• Aroma: Aromas of dark chocolate, roasted oak, cedar and chestnuts that make you excited for the first sip
• Taste: A rich opulent blackberry with a subtle hint of raspberry that leads into the layers of roasted oak and cedar
• Body: Full bodied
• Finish: It has a long smooth, velvety yet spicey finish

Vineyard

Perched high on a scenic hilltop, Rutherford Hill Winery overlooks the famed Rutherford Bench, drawing from Napa Valley's finest vineyards to craft exceptional wines. The Anthony J. Terlato Vineyard (AJT Vineyard), located in the heart of Rutherford AVA, commemorates our beloved patriarch and founder’s legacy in Napa Valley, which started with Rutherford Hill. It is the primary source of our highest quality luxury Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and the exclusive source of our award-winning Sauvignon Blanc.

Process

Our unique vineyard sites feature a diverse array of climates, terroirs, and grape varieties, each contributing to the best expression of Napa Valley. The fermentation process takes places in an average of 21-28 days on skins with twice daily pumpovers, and it is aged for 20 months in French Oak. We’ve adopted cutting-edge techniques, including selecting meticulously curated parcels of fruit and employing a refined French oak barrel regimen to elevate the quality of every bottle. Our winemaking team conducts advanced fermentation trials, experimenting with different temperatures, yeast strains, and sugar levels to unlock each wine’s full potential. By tailoring our approach to specific vineyard blocks and clones, we harness the natural diversity of the grapes, ensuring that each varietal expresses its unique character.

Storage and Serving Recommendations

Avoid

• Kitchen (too warm)
• Garage (temperature swings)
• Top of the fridge (too much vibration)

Best Storage Spots

• Wine fridge or cellar
• Cool, dark pantry or basement
• A closet away from heat and light

Pro Tips

• Chill 30 minutes prior to serving
• If you’re storing wine long-term, invest in a wine fridge. For short-term storage, just keep it cool, dark, and steady
• Store on its side: Keeping corked bottles horizontal prevents the cork from drying out, maintaining a proper seal
• Keep it cool: Ideal storage temperature is 45°F-65°F (55°F is perfect). Avoid temperature fluctuations
• Away from sunlight: UV rays can age wine too quickly, so store in a dark place
• Stable environment: Keep humidity around 50-70% and avoid vibrations that can disturb aging

History

Founded in 1972, Rutherford Hill was one of those original few who in pioneering Bordeaux varietals defined the standard that Napa Valley has become renowned for across the world. Our AJT Cabernet Sauvignon reflects our most treasured estate vineyards celebrating the legacy of Anthony J. Terlato, our beloved patriarch and founder. Through four generations, the family's passion for and commitment to quality has shone through by way of the incredible wines.

Sustainability

We are a 100% solar-powered winery that not only harnesses the sun’s energy to power our winery and our commitment to energy conservation but also contributes clean energy back to the local grid, further reducing our environmental footprint. From installing Owl Boxes in the vineyards to embracing organic farming techniques, we prioritize natural and green solutions that uphold the highest standards of quality. We’re proud to be certified by Napa Green Vineyards and Winery and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance since 2015, proving that sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the way forward.