Rutherford

Overview

Rutherford is the historic heartland of Napa and one of the best-known wine regions in the US. In fact, the name is so famous that winemakers were long reluctant to give it its own AVA. The argument was that if Napa were carved up into smaller AVAs, might make the reputation of Napa itself might suffer as its best wines came to be associated with “Rutherford” instead of “Napa.”

The Rutherford region today is home to more than 30 wineries, many of them famous. The climate here is slightly warmer than in Oakville, and not as well suited to white grapes. The Cabernet, on the other hand, is probably the longest-lived and finest in Napa. Credit for these wines is usually given to the famous Rutherford Bench, an alluvial area of gravel loam left by creeks flowing down out of the Mayacamas. This soil retains moisture well, and according to some imparts local wine with a distinct flavor known as “Rutherford Dust.” Whatever you call the flavor, these wines are truly exceptional.