Nestled high on a hill over a vast expanse of Rutherford AVA, just past the five-star Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford Hill Winery has been quietly and steadily putting out quality wine for half a century. This year, the winery pays homage to its 50 years of history, re-envisions its wine offerings, embraces the vision of its young South African/Australian winemaker, and elevates (literally) its commanding view of the valley with its new Vista Terrace.
It’s evident that Michael Coode, Rutherford Hill’s very personable and admirably ambitious general manager and head winemaker, deserves kudos for giving the winery a jumpstart. In his first vintage, his Sauvignon Blanc received 94 points from Wine Spectator, the highest score the magazine has ever awarded a Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and his first Merlot received 93 points, making it the highest-rated Merlot under $40 in the same publication.
When asked how he achieved this feat, Coode’s answer showcased his detailed approach to winemaking, encompassing vineyard, winery, and consumer issues.
“Rutherford is a flat AVA except for a handful of vineyards, and we’re one of them. Rutherford Hill makes some of the best Sauvignon Blanc fruit I’ve ever seen. We have soil and fruit that could rival great places worldwide.”
“We started building complexity in the vineyard because we only have one block, all single clones on the same rootstock. So, we did more leafing on one half and less on the other. Then, I did three different styles of fermentation in the winery. We needed to do something different because many of us tried to make Marlborough-style Sauvignon Blanc, which we think consumers want, but it’s not necessarily true.”
Having conquered the Sauvignon Blanc program, he tackled Merlot. At an onsite tasting in October, the winery offered a line-up of its Merlot dating to 1975—some vintages so old that technical information had been lost. The day’s shock was how the Merlots had held up over almost 50 years—evidence of the winery’s historical Merlot expertise. Coode wants to bolster that.
“Rutherford Hill was always known for Merlot. Why don’t we show the beauty of Napa [by doing] our Napa Valley Merlot, [showcasing] Rutherford, Stags Leap, Oak Knoll, and Carneros? That way, you can show the differences between the hottest and most extreme [appellations] and the east and west sides of Napa. Many people don’t know that Merlot can be so diverse.”
The wines are as impressive as Rutherford Hill’s multi-million-dollar visitor center renovation. As part of the 50th-year celebration, the brand updated its labels and packaging and transformed its outdoor guest experience with stunning elevated lounges that maximize the panoramic view that gives a sense of floating over the valley.
Guests can choose from a range of experiences, including an educational tasting of sub-appellation Merlots, an adventurous ATV Vineyard Tour, or a cozy and intimate tasting in their beautiful underground Cave Lounge.
Vice President of Communications Megghen Driscol explained, “Visitors to Napa Valley are looking for unique and individual experiences, not just great wine. We are fortunate to have such a majestic and magical backdrop to share our passion for crafting world-class wines.”
