Rutherford Hill September Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 California, USA 75cl

Rutherford Hill was established in 1972 and helped pioneer Napa Valley’s love of serious Merlot, studying the region for pockets that echoed Bordeaux’s Pomerol. Owned since 1996 by the Terlato family, it remains one of the valley’s more characterful producers, and its winemaking reaches beyond Merlot into classic Californian Cabernet such as this September Hill bottling.

This is a pure Cabernet Sauvignon released under the September Hill label at a broad Californian appellation, a more approachable and affordable expression than an estate Napa red. The aim here is drinkability and balance rather than the density of a cellar wine, with the grape’s structure kept in a friendly register.

By 2013 vintage this Cabernet has had time to settle, and it is drinking in a mellow, developed style. The primary fruit has begun to give way to the savoury, secondary notes that come with a few years in bottle, so it is best enjoyed now.

Expect aromas of blackcurrant and dark plum edged with cedar and dried herbs, a medium-bodied palate, and tannins that have softened into an easy, rounded finish. There is a gentle earthiness that adds interest without weight. It is a comfortable match for roast beef, a lamb shank, or a slow-cooked beef stew.

If you like an aged, restrained Cabernet over a big, oaky style, this suits the table well. It is an unfussy midweek red with a little more polish than its price suggests, and a nod to a producer with real Napa heritage. A short spell in a decanter helps it open if you like.