Spotlight on Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon

In 1980, Beaulieu Vineyard began a 14-year series of trials with the University of California at Davis to find cabernet sauvignon clones that would thrive in Rutherford Bench soils. If you’re not familiar with clones, they are cuttings of existing grape vines that are grafted onto rootstocks to isolate desirable qualities like concentrated tannins or affinity for rocky soils. 

Clone 4 was one of two clones that was ultimately selected after years of trials. It was originally discovered in Argentina and thus well-suited to the alluvial fan soils in our Estate vineyard. Most importantly, its large berries and tight clusters were perfect for creating exceptionally lush, round, and opulent cabernets.

Over the past decade, two vintages of the Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon have stood out—2014 and 2017. Read on to learn more about these two exceptional vintages and what makes Clone 4 so unique.

2014

Vintage: After three years of drought, light but adequate February rains relieved stress on the vines. Warm spring temperatures brought an early bud break and a quick maturation period. What really made this vintage interesting, however, was an earthquake that shook the valley on August 24. While this didn’t have any tangible effect on the grapes’ maturation, it did make for a dramatic start to the harvest season. At the end of the day, the obstacles posed by the growing conditions created exceptionally concentrated flavors and tannins.

Tasting Note: Clone 4 cabernets are not blended with other varietals, allowing the unique characteristics of the clone to shine through. In the 2014 vintage, the round and rich flavors the clone was chosen for truly shine and are supported by firm, yet supple tannins. The deep garnet-purple color alludes to the fruit-forward palate. Juicy and expressive flavors of black cherry, black currant, and plum abound and are complemented by classic notes of baking spices. While drinkable in its youth, this is a wine that is meant to age and will develop exceptional tertiary flavors over the next 20+ years.

2017

Vintage: Smaller-yielding but high in quality, the 2017 vintage was one for the books. Rain soaked the valley throughout the winter, giving the vines much-needed hydration. Over Labor Day weekend, a heat spike sped up the ripening process and had winemakers scrambling to get crops in. Once all the commotion of harvest settled, it was clear it would be a special vintage with tremendously concentrated flavors, highly saturated colors, and a depth of complexity.

Tasting Note: A near-perfect example of the unique characteristics of Clone 4, the 2017 vintage has a lush, full-bodied structure that is textbook Rutherford cabernet. Fragrant notes of dark plum and anise define the nose while the palate is layered with juicy flavors of stone fruit, black cherry, mint, and vanilla. Silky smooth tannins are present throughout and lead to a long, luxurious finish.