Member's Mark Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon - A Rare Treat

High-class Napa Valley goodness for under $20 at Sam's Club, the Member's Mark Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. The wine is aged 14 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.  

Sample submitted for review. This wine is available exclusively at Sam's Club and retails for $17.98.

A promising sign, this wine is made by Precision Wine Company, the same producer as the Precision Napa Valley (not Rutherford) Cab available for around $20 at some Costco locations.

Even more promising is the region. Rutherford is one of the most sought after spots for Cabernet in all of Napa Valley. This is reflected in the fact that according to wine-searcher the average price for Rutherford Cabernet is just over $100!

And while in the past Rutherford Cab under $20 was definitely a rare treat, suddenly there appear to be all kinds of options from some of our favorite retailers. In the coming days we will also be reviewing the Kirkland Signature Rutherford Cab as well as the Platinum Reserve version from Trader Joe's.

The 2016 Member's Mark Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon begins with a pleasing aroma of dark berry fruit and plum along with nicely integrated and dusty spice notes, vanilla and a touch of coffee. It's a great way to start.

Taking a sip reveals lots of delicious ripe fruit flavors and great depth of flavor in this tasty, fun to drink wine. Full-bodied and smooth, it even has a bit of a velvety mouthfeel. It's not quite as complex as you might expect for Rutherford but still really nice.

It ends dry and long with some lovely lingering spice under the fruit. Yummy!