VISITING VINEYARD 29 - Napa, CA (5/17/2012)
I’m not one for Napa to be all that honest. There are far too many wines that remind me of “Grown-up Kool-aid”. However, I do trust my friend Sarah Sandbeck owner of Sommilier on Wheels when she takes me around to places. This was a surprise trip for me to taste with some others that are in the industry at Vineyard 29. All of the wines were beyond criticism given the overall experience that I had with Austin Gallion the Director of Hospitality.
Tasting the Cru line
Sitting on the deck Austin walked us all through the concept and idea behind putting something out that was ready to drink immediately with no need to cellar at a reasonable SSRP in the $50 range. Sitting on the deck was a great way to start hearing the history of the vineyard, the family, and the plans for the future
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2010 Vineyard 29 Sauvignon Blanc Cru - USA, California, Napa Valley
Color: light golden yellow.
Smell: crushed stone, floral notes, and tropical fruits
Taste: tropical fruits, lemon, and wet stone
Overall: A really serious and fun wine that is delicious and all to easy to gulp. Med body, high acid, med+ fruit, and a long finish. Outstanding -
2009 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Color: Opaque Violet
Smell: Blue & black fruit, milk chocolate, and cigar box
Taste: Dark fruit, chocolate, and hints of cedar
Overall: Lush, round, and easy to see many people enjoying this style of wine. Medium body, moderate acidity, medium+ intensity, and a medium length finish. Excellent
Vineyard 29 Estate & Aida
Paired with duck, beef, and lamb. This was a great way to show the complexity of the wines that is lost without the food.
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2009 Vineyard 29 Zinfandel Aida Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Color: Opaque Violet
Smell: Dark fruits, dark chocolate, blueberries, and leather
Taste: black cherries, black berries, licorice, and spices
Overall: Really lush, smooth, and bold. Yet, also a bit of a one-trick pony. I don’t see how anyone could drink more than a taste of this before being overwhelmed by the style. Medium+ body, moderate acid, intense fruit, and a moderate length finish. Excellent -
2008 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Aida Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Color: Opaque Violet
Smell: Dark fruits, dark chocolate, blueberries, lead pencil, leather, crushed granite, and alcohol
Taste: black fruit, spices, dark chocolate, crushed granite
Overall: Really lush, smooth, bold, and tight. I don’t think this is honestly at a point where it’s enjoyable, but it will be with some time sideways. This deserves a good 3-5 years in the cellar, and then it should do well if the alcohol doesn’t overpower it in time. Medium+ body, moderate acid, Bold tannin, intense fruit, and a moderate length finish. Outstanding -
2009 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Franc 29 Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Color: Opaque Violet
Smell: Dark fruits, faint bell pepper, violets, and blueberries
Taste: Bing cherry, cassis, chewing tobacco, and clove
Overall: Really lush and smooth but with better acidity than the Aida Zin. I don’t see drinking this very often, but I could see this being a good fit for a late winter’s evening by the fire with charred steak. Medium body, medium acid, intense fruit, and a medium-long finish. Outstanding
Later that night
Always a fan of Oregon Pinot Noir, I had to see what they were doing with the Willamette Valley fruit. I have to say I was really impressed by the quality, but I’d still argue that this is a wine that deserves some time in the cellar.
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2010 Vineyard 29 Pinot Noir Cru - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Color: ruby
Smell: earth, clove, & high tone red fruits
Taste: cherry, strawberry, and a melange of red fruits
Overall: a really delicate and light Pinot Noir that does a good job of being exactly what it is supposed to be. Light body, med+ acid, light-medium fruit, and a moderate length finish. An excellent wine
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