Decanter World Wine AwardsCoppola's transformation of Rubicon to Inglenook complete
- Monday 26 November 2012
'Fabled': the original 1941 Inglenook. The new label will be almost identical
Rubicon has re-assumed the Inglenook name and an 'almost exact' replica of its post-Prohibition era label.
The move represents Coppola's long-standing ambition to restore the historic Inglenook estate in Rutherford, Napa, founded by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum in 1879 but broken up in the 1960s.
Coppola has been buying up different parts of the estate since 1975, culminating in successful negotiations with the Wine Group for the last piece of the jigsaw – the Inglenook trademark – in April 2011. Although he owned the entire Inglenook estate, the wines could not carry the name.
At the time Coppola told Decanter.com, ‘I paid more for the trademark than I did for the entire estate’ – which would put the price at more than US$14m.
The newly-renamed Inglenook 2009, priced at US$200, is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
'The 2009 Rubicon/Inglenook is a very elegant wine; floral and complex nose, persistent flavours, with a highly concentrated texture,' said Philippe Bascaules, technical director and estate manager.
It remains to be seen whether Inglenook 2009 can match the fabled 1941 vintage, which even turned heads in Bordeaux. Bascaules believes the '09 ageing potential is strong. 'We will be able to celebrate the rebirth of Inglenook with this vintage in 50 years,' he said.
Have your say!
Donn Rutkpff
November 27 05:47
I am glad F. F. Coppola did something good with his $, albeit at highway robbery prices, before the Ibama admin. took it from him to pay for more government stimulus.
mike hart
November 27 03:11
another epic from the master!
Peter McDonald
November 27 01:20
Lovely place and lovely wine but he must be mad thinking a defunct trademark like that is worth millions. I have bought Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon in the past and have had no problem with the label and branding.
Greg
November 27 00:00
Inglenook made some of the finest California Cabernet's in the 1960's....should be interesting to see if FFC can make the mark again..