2010 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon CRU

One of the very best values in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru bursts from the glass with dark red cherries, plums and tobacco. The 2010 is totally gorgeous from start to finish. There is more than pure vibrancy and freshness to support the generous, opulent fruit in this striking, beautifully delineated Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Keith Emerson crafts the Cru bottling from a variety of vineyards across Napa Valley. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022. Chuck and Anne McMinn have spared no expense at Vineyard 29. These are some of the most sumptuous wines readers will find in Napa Valley. I find the winemaking approach much more suitable to the estate’s Aida vineyard, a warm, early maturing site that tends towards richness, rather than the Estate Cabernet, which is made from site that is capable of much more finesse. The consulting winemaker is Philippe Melka, with the exception of the Cru wines, which are made by in house winemaker Keith Emerson. Tel. (707) 963-9292; Fax (707) 963-7848

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru is quite a bit tighter than the 2009. It shows lovely depth and minerality in the focused style of the year. Mocha, espresso, violets and dark fruit are some of the notes that inform the energetic finish. I especially like the way the 2010 begins to flesh out with time in the glass. The 2010 Cru is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec.