Round Pond Pool from above

2022 Gravel Series ‘Scholar’s Gate’ Cabernet Sauvignon

This 100% Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon hails from one of our estate’s most gravel-rich blocks and is meticulously farmed. The dark, stony soils yield small, intensely flavored berries, resulting in the most structured wine in our pinnacle series.

Scholar’s Gate is a celebration of ambition and achievement. Traditionally, a scholar’s gate marked the threshold of accomplishment — a tribute to perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. This wine honors that spirit. It’s bold, powerful, and unapologetically intense, with layers of dark fruit, firm tannins, and the unmistakable signature of Rutherford dust. Scholar’s Gate is for those who strive, who overcome, and who leave a mark.
 
The Gravel Series wines are the pinnacle of our portfolio. These block-designate Cabernet Sauvignons are sourced from three unique gravel microsites across our Rutherford Estate and Oakville M-Bar properties—chosen for their ability to produce wines of exceptional power, elegance, and distinction. Crafted in extremely limited quantities, these wines are available exclusively through the winery.

Accolades

“… Rich, opulent and expressive, the 2022 offers tons of Rutherford character. With no hard edges and very fine balance, it will be ready to drink upon release." - 94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“Round Pond’s Gravel Series wines, among the best of the 2022 vintage, continually stand out thanks to their well-positioned vineyards. These three wines are a testament to their mastery, yielding exceptional color, tannin, and structure.” – Thomas Rivers Brown, Consulting Winemaker

Tasting Notes

The 2022 vintage captures the hallmark elegance of Rutherford dust with a vibrant, youthful energy. Aromas of ripe cassis, black cherry, and cocoa powder rise from the glass, accented by hints of graphite and dried sage. The palate unfolds with layers of dark plum, blackberry compote, and a touch of espresso, framed by fine, velvety tannins. A subtle note of cedar and baking spice lingers on the finish. This wine’s balance and purity make it alluring in its youth, while its depth and structure promise exceptional cellaring potential over the next decade.

Vineyard Notes

The 2022 vintage was the third in a string of drought years. Despite the drought, there was well-timed spring rain that boosted the vines’ vigor, allowing for nicely established canopies for both shade and photosynthesis. The weather remained relatively mild and even, with routine fog patterns cooling nighttime and morning temperatures. Our healthy vine canopies and overhead sprinklers protected fruit from the late summer heat wave. Round Pond’s “California sprawl” trellis systems provide excellent vine balance and diverse sun exposures.

Technical Details

Type:
Red
Varietal:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Region:
California
Appellation:
Rutherford
Vintage:
2022
Case Production:
10 barrels

Pairs Well With