2021 The Rescuer

The 2021 Rescuer is our Merlot-dominant blend crafted as a tribute to the winemaker’s Bordeaux training and named in honor of Reason P. Tucker, who built the estate in 1859 after heroically rescuing the survivors of the ill-fated Donner Party. This homage to both the winemaking tradition and historical legacy is reflected in every aspect of the wine. At the heart of The Rescuer is Merlot, which provides a lush, velvety texture and ripe, generous fruit flavors. The Merlot offers prominent notes of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, forming a smooth and approachable base for the blend. Its inherent softness and rich mouthfeel give the wine its luxurious character and immediate appeal. A hint of Cabernet Franc adds a little brightness to the blend and contributes  subtle notes of graphite, black pepper, and dried herbs, enhancing the aromatic profile with a Bordeaux-like sophistication. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and intensity to The Rescuer. It imparts dark fruit flavors of cassis and blackcurrant, along with notes of tobacco and cedar. The tannins from the Cabernet Sauvignon contribute to the wine’s robust framework and aging potential, providing a firm backbone that supports the blend’s rich fruit and oak characteristics.  

91 points - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate