Rutherford Hill Winery, California: 10 Best Bottles, Prices, Food Pairings (2024)

The Rutherford Hill Winery is located on Rutherford Hill Road, St Helena, in the esteemed California wine country. 

This Napa Valley winery uses unique features like cave aging to produce fine and elegant wines.    

Let’s take a quick look at this winery, dive into its top 10 wines and food pairings, and understand its history and vineyards.

A Quick Look At The Rutherford Hill Winery Estate

The Rutherford Hill winery focuses on creating supple and refined Napa Valley Merlot wines that uphold the traditions of Pomerol in Bordeaux while reflecting the nuances of Californian terroir.

While the winery’s primary focus is on Merlot, they also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and other wines from grapes sourced from estate vineyards. 

The winery also offers various wine tasting tours, including:

• Private cave tour and barrel tasting
• Bottle service & picnic in the oak grove
• Club Rutherford member tasting
• Signature selection
• Virtual wine tasting

These tours can help you truly experience the beautiful vineyards of the Rutherford Hill winery, skillful winemaking, and  try its hand crafted wines.

10 Classy Wines from the Rutherford Hill Winery

Here are the 10 fantastic Rutherford Hill wines for 2024:

• 2018 Rutherford Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2014 Rutherford Hill Reserve Merlot
• 2017 Rutherford Hill Proprietor's Blend
• 2017 Rutherford Hill Atlas Peak Merlot
• 2016 Rutherford Hill Winemakers Blend Red
• 2015 Rutherford Hill Petit Verdot
• 2015 Rutherford Hill Syrah
• 2011 Rutherford Hill Merlot
• 2018 Rutherford Hill Carneros Chardonnay
• 2012 Rutherford Hill Barrel Select

1. 2018 Rutherford Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($151)

This distinct Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon displays blackberry and blueberry flavors that open up to chocolate and anise notes and well-balanced acidity.

2. 2014 Rutherford Hill Reserve Merlot ($95)

This full-bodied Merlot gives off dark fruits, chocolate, and nutmeg aromas with hints of savory herbs and a long finish.

3. 2017 Rutherford Hill Proprietor's Blend ($67)

This Rutherford wine offers an abundance of red fruit notes with vanilla and cardamom hints and a decadent long finish.

4. 2017 Rutherford Hill Atlas Peak Merlot ($62)

This rich and intense Rutherford red displays oak, black fruit, and earthy notes balanced gracefully with accessible tannins.

5. 2016 Rutherford Hill Winemakers Blend Red ($56)

This Napa Valley red blend offers a nose of plum, cassis, and cola. The palate has dark cherry and plum flavors with structured tannins and a lingering mocha finish.

6. 2015 Rutherford Hill Petit Verdot ($50)

This 2015 vintage wonderfully expresses currants, cherries, and cedar aromas with hints of cayenne.

7. 2015 Rutherford Hill Syrah ($50)

This Syrah has intense aromas of blackberry with hints of anise. The palate is complex and intense with well-integrated tannins and a pleasing finish.

8. 2011 Rutherford Hill Merlot ($38)

This vintage red wine from the winery has raspberry and plum aromas with a hint of dried cherries. The palate has cocoa, caramel, dried currant hints, and splendid tannins.

9. 2018 Rutherford Hill Carneros Chardonnay ($30)

This buttery, complex white wine displays lightly toasted coconut and oak notes with a delicate vanilla undertone.

10. 2012 Rutherford Hill Barrel Select ($26)

This delicious red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc boasts blackberry and plum notes, grainy tannins, and a warming mouthfeel.

Ideal Dishes to Pair with the Rutherford Hill Wines

Here are some delectable dishes to pair with wine from the Rutherford Hill winery, inspired from the estate’s restaurant:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet braised short ribs with ravioli
• Merlot: Grilled flat iron steak with blue cheese-chive butter, grilled boneless lamb loin with roasted pepper sauce, linguini with bacon and rosemary
• Petit Verdot: Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork, lamb, sweet potato and mushroom stew
• Chardonnay: Spaghetti alla Carbonara, saffron farfalle

Or, go ahead and create your own wine-and-dine experience!

The Vineyards Of Rutherford Hill Winery

Spread across 130 acres in the Napa Valley, the winery’s vineyards reflect the region’s diverse soils and microclimates. 

The vineyard plots on the warmer eastern edge of the Vaca Mountains - Pope Valley - produce Merlot with dense flavors and ripe tannins. 

The Rutherford Mee Lane vineyard lends a touch of the ‘Rutherford dust’ to the Cabernet Sauvignon and other grape varietals for the best terroir expression.

Lastly, the rocky hillside solid of the Rutherford Hill estate vineyard adds great intensity and structure to its exceptional wines.

Let’s also look at the winery’s colorful past.

Rutherford Hill Winery: A Brief History

In 1972, when the world was just learning about the Napa Valley, the Rutherford winery founders - the Pillsbury Company - had already recognized the region’s capability to grow fine Merlot grapes. They were the pioneers of this Napa’s premier varietal.

And in 1979, Anthony Terlato introduced Pinot Grigio to the Americans through his wine marketing and production company - earning him the title ‘Father of Pinot Grigio.’

The Terlato’s became vintners in 1996 when they purchased the Rutherford Hill. They currently own four Napa Valley wineries:

• Rutherford Hill winery
• Chimney Rock winery
• Sanford winery
• Terlato Family Vineyards

The family, along with Rutherford Hill’s winemaker Marisa Taylor, work closely to consistently improve their legendary wines. 

Impress Your Guests With A Delicious Rutherford Hill Winery Wine

If you want the best of Napa Valley in your wine collection, any great wine from the Rutherford Hill winery will make a delightful addition.

Pick a Chardonnay, Syrah, Petit Verdot, or its popular California Merlot - and get ready to delight your guests!

Now, if you aren’t sure what would be the best wine for your portfolio, a genuine wine investment platform like Vinovest can help you choose one from a prestigious winery. You can also buy, store, and sell your authentic wines.