Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113109
A Star is Reborn RUTHERFORD HILL���S FLAGSHIP MERLOT IS IN ASCENDANCE ONCE AGAIN by Randy Caparoso A fter over 40 years, Rutherford Hill Winery has irmly re- established its reputation as a preeminent producer of one of the world���s favorite varietals: Merlot. For any professional wine buyer, whatever a winery has achieved PHOTO COURTESY OF TERLATO WINES INTERNATIONAL in the past holds less vinous credibility than what is being accomplished today. The awardwinning Rutherford Hill 2009 Napa Valley Merlot (the winery���s current release, retailing for $25) relects a contemporary styling that today���s wine buyers are looking for: a length and intensity of lavor that is more savory, complex and elegant than simply fat, fruity or ���big.��� With its sleek, sinewy, runway model���like proile, and multiplic- The Terlato Wines International executive team at Rutherford Hill (left to right): Bill Terlato, CEO; Tony Terlato, Chairman; and John Terlato, Vice Chairman. 74 / the tasting panel / march 2013 ity of mocha-cherry and dried kitchen-spice perfumes, the 2009 Rutherford Hill is pr��t-��-porter for today���s choosy Merlot lovers.