2011 Vineyard 29 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(14.5% alcohol; the fruit in this challenging vintage was picked into November, with the last block coming in on November 2 at a modest 23.7 degrees Brix; just 2.4 tons per acre were produced): Medium ruby. Slightly inky aromas of black and blue fruits, licorice and peppery herbs. Dense and fine-grained but tightly wound, showing a slight herbal greenness as well as a faintly metallic mineral quality to its dark berry and savory spice flavors. A nicely focused, rather stylish wine with firm acidity but only moderate stuffing. The dusty tannins arrive late and build. Evolving slowly but will this wine ever really expand in bottle? This vintage was sterile-filtered to ensure microbial stability in a year that saw some rot.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(includes 4% petit verdot): Bright red-ruby. Musky aromas of blackberry, brown spices and licorice, with slightly green notes of tobacco leaf and pepper. Tightly wound and uncompromisingly dry; less sweet and showy today than the 2011 Aida. But with time in the glass the rocky blackberry and mineral flavors showed surprising pliancy. Finishes with slightly edgy tannins.
Vineyard 29's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon 29 Estate impresses for its creamy, generous personality, something that is quite rare in this vintage. Sweet tobacco, cinnamon, savory herbs, menthol, licorice and plums wrap around the palate in an explosive wine loaded with depth and volume. The balance of fruit intensity with the more savory notes typical of the year makes for a wonderfully expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2011 is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot.
The flagship offering is the Cabernet Sauvignon 29 Estate. The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon 29 Estate, a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, is a lighter-styled, but charming effort displaying hints of tobacco leaf, red and black currant fruit, spring flowers, spice box and loamy soil. It should offer enjoyable drinking when released, and last for a 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