2013 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon CRU
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Tasting notes
A large production (about 5,500 cases) of Cabernet Sauvignon from purchased fruit, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru is meant to be drunk by eager consumers unable to defer gratification, as well as any restaurant looking for a realistically priced and delicious, dense Napa Cabernet. The 2013, which is no surprise, is basically two-thirds from St. Helena-area vineyards, and is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It has terrific aromatics of spring flowers, licorice, tobacco leaf, charcoal and a touch of graphite. The superb aromatics lead to a seductive, juicy, soft, round opulent style of wine, with medium to full body, an opaque purple color, and gorgeous ripeness and richness. A major sleeper of the vintage, you can get this for the full retail price of about $60 per bottle, probably double that in any restaurants.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One of the best values in Napa Valley Cabernet, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru is quite aromatic and savory in this vintage. Sweet red cherry jam, espresso and wild flowers add nuance as this plump, expressive Cabernet shows off its racy personality. As always, the Cru delivers superb quality and value in a rich, super-ripe style that is the hallmark of the Vineyard 29 wines. Hints of graphite and mocha add the final shades of nuance.
Super-ripe dark cherries, plums, mocha, French oak, chocolate and dark spices jump from the glass in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru, a wine that stands out for its combination of ripeness, energy and structure. All the best elements of the year come together in a wine that holds significant promise. Once again, winemaker Keith Emerson has put together a wine that over delivers, which is quite an achievement in the high-rent district that is Napa Valley.