2011 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon CRU
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Vineyard 29's entry-level 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru offers good balance and fabulous value. Plum, black cherry, grilled herbs, smoke and new leather all take shape in the glass. The 2011 is going to need another year or so in bottle. Today it shows some of the angular contours and compactness that are typical of the year. Winemaker Keith Emerson does a fabulous job with the budget-priced Cru Cabernet Sauvignon, but even he can't totally compensate for the limitations of the year. The Cru Cabernet is made from a variety of sites, but about 65% of the fruit comes from vineyards in St. Helena. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, was aged 18 months in 55% new French oak. This soft, round effort exhibits red and black currant notes intermixed with sweet licorice, earth and herbs. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next decade. The two estate vineyards of Vineyard 29, the 29 Estate and further north the Aida, are owned by Chuck and Anne McMinn. It’s a shame they don’t make more than 100-160 or so cases of their 100% Sauvignon Blanc fermented in 100% new French oak because it is so delicious. Vineyard 29 also produces a reasonably priced Napa Valley cuvee that showcases the valley’s ripe, rich Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, but does not require a line of credit to purchase. Tel. (707) 963-9292