Ruston Family Vineyards

Cuvée Mahalia St. Helena Red Blend

9.115 ratings
-no pro ratings
St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy, Salami & Prosciutto, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Herbs, Chicken, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Soft Cheese, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Blue Cheese, Onion
Top Notes For
Randall Brater

The 2018 vintage of this Bordeaux blend has majority Merlot, but a lot more cab franc than in prior years. And this is VERY young. The integrated pieces of fruit, tannins and acid are all there and it drinks well now. The cab franc is dominating now with baking spice, bell peppers and cherries. But I cannot wait to see how this develops over time.

The 2018 vintage of this Bordeaux blend has majority Merlot, but a lot more cab franc than in prior years. And this is VERY young. The integrated pieces of fruit, tannins and acid are all there and it drinks well now. The cab franc is dominating now with baking spice, bell peppers and cherries. But I cannot wait to see how this develops over time.

Feb 21st, 2022
Randall Brater

Wonderful. Fruit forward that developed into an earthy, fruity, balanced deliciousness after a few hour decant.

Wonderful. Fruit forward that developed into an earthy, fruity, balanced deliciousness after a few hour decant.

Dec 25th, 2021
Randall Brater

@Jason Brater comments are consistent. A nice hint of spice with some great fruit. Drink now or wait a few years.

@Jason Brater comments are consistent. A nice hint of spice with some great fruit. Drink now or wait a few years.

Nov 15th, 2020
Jason Brater

Riper fruit than 2016, this Bordeaux blend is merlot dominant and ready to drink now. Dark cherry and blueberry followed by a touch of cinnamon and some oak. Nice dry tannins round out this wine they went great w braised short rib last night and equally as well w a cheese plate today.

Riper fruit than 2016, this Bordeaux blend is merlot dominant and ready to drink now. Dark cherry and blueberry followed by a touch of cinnamon and some oak. Nice dry tannins round out this wine they went great w braised short rib last night and equally as well w a cheese plate today.

Aug 4th, 2020
Jason Brater

This Bordeaux blend is merlot dominant w cab, cab sav, and petit verdot. It’s still tight from being too young. But showed nice layers and fruit w legit tannins. Will revisit in 2 more years.

This Bordeaux blend is merlot dominant w cab, cab sav, and petit verdot. It’s still tight from being too young. But showed nice layers and fruit w legit tannins. Will revisit in 2 more years.

Apr 30th, 2020
Kurt Schuster

Loved this one. In my professionally uninformed mind it’s an American spin on a French blend. Great depth, great flavor, great structure. Nothing overly ripe or warm but just get a good expressive flavors of luscious fruits, dusty earth and spices, and a toasted caramel finish. 

Loved this one. In my professionally uninformed mind it’s an American spin on a French blend. Great depth, great flavor, great structure. Nothing overly ripe or warm but just get a good expressive flavors of luscious fruits, dusty earth and spices, and a toasted caramel finish. 

Apr 2nd, 2020
Jeff Kienzle

Jeff had this 8 months ago

Jeff had this 8 months ago

Mar 30th, 2024
Henning Schwinum

Henning had this 8 months ago

Henning had this 8 months ago

Mar 10th, 2024
Brad Sacks

Brad had this 2 years ago

Brad had this 2 years ago

Sep 7th, 2022
Randall Brater

Randall had this 4 years ago

Randall had this 4 years ago

Dec 26th, 2020