Vineyard 29

The Wine

True to its site, the 2020 ’29 Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon opens with signature violets, lilacs and black currants. Full and dense upon entry and through the mid-palate, this wine presents layers upon layers of fresh blueberries, black cassis and dark chocolate covered cherries. Deeply concentrated with long, drawn out fine-grained tannins that provide weight and structure. A viscous, velvety texture is delicately balanced by bright acidity that brings verve to a long, tenacious finish. Extremely limited production due to miniscule yields, this wine will lay down and age beautifully over the next couple of decades.

The Vintage

As a result of the dry and temperate winter, the 2020 bud-break began a few weeks earlier than average. Spring did not bring much relief for growers in terms of water supply and irrigations were started early and continued frequently throughout the growing season. The vintage will forever be remembered by the August 14th extreme heat wave followed by and unprecedented round of over 11,000 lightning strikes across Northern California over a 36-hour period. The rest of the growing season and resulting harvest was more like an action packed movie than grape growing or winemaking. We came together as a team, however, and worked extremely hard, at times in dangerous circumstances, to produce a portfolio of beautiful, well-balanced, meticulously-crafted 2020 Vineyard 29 wines.

The Vineyard

Our 29 Estate Vineyard sits on a hillside just at the “pinch” of Napa Valley’s hourglass shape. Excellent airflow provides natural frost protection, while the fertile clay loam soils encourage deeply rooted vines, yielding powerfully concentrated cabernet sauvignon tempered by markedly floral, velvet elegance and explosive aromatic.

Harvest Date(s)
September 15 – September 23, 2020

Barrel Age
20 months, 80% new, 100% French oak

Cooperage
Taransaud, Ermitage, Baron, Cadus, Saury

Composition
100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottling Date(s)
June 6, 2022

Cases Produced
218

Release Date
October 1, 2023

Release Price
$315 ~750ml

The Wine

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is beautifully expressive right out of the gate with fragrant orange blossoms, juicy Meyer lemon and a slight hint of fennel. Gentle swirling invites palate notes of mandarin, white nectarine and the crisp top of a creme brulé. As with previous vintages, this wine strikes the perfect balance of fresh, bright acidity and a weighty, concentrated mid-palate. The 2021 ‘29 Estate’ Blanc packs a beautiful punch with tremendous layers, richness and firrm structure all leading to a long, honeysuckle laced finish.

The Vintage

The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than the 2020 season due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines but the overall dry winter led to slow shoot growth and smaller than average shoots in most cases around the valley. Thankfully, those who started their irrigation program early, April in the case of Vineyard 29 and Aida Estate, were able to convince the shoots to grow to adequate length so that each shoot could ripen its clusters evenly and optimally. Early season frosts were common in the coldest parts of the valley, thus decreasing overall yields come harvest time. The summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful and the resulting wines are stunning. A truly exceptional vintage.

The Vineyard

Our 29 Estate Vineyard sits on a hillside just at the “pinch” of Napa Valley’s hourglass shape. Excellent airflow provides natural frost protection, while the fertile clay loam soils encourage deeply rooted vines. The small Sauvignon Blanc block is just next to the winery, where a hillside tree line provides cool afternoon shade, giving this wine its signature richness and complexity.

Harvest Date(s)
August 17 – September 2, 2021

Barrel Age
20 months, 100% new French oak

Cooperage
Saury Immersion, Ermitage BTL

Composition
100% Sauvignon Blanc

Bottling Date(s)
June 5, 2023

Cases Produced
264

Release Date
October 1, 2023

Release Price
$185 ~750ml

The Wine

Our steepest planting on the estate and just under 2 acres planted, the ’29 Estate’ Cabernet Franc vineyard yielded a beautifully polished wine in 2020 with aromas of ripe boysenberry, cedar, anise and incense. The mouthfeel is quick to expand and completely coats the palate with juicy red and black fruits, mocha, potpourri, and dried mountain sage. Hints of graphite and mineral notes are present throughout, as this full-bodied Franc expands on the palate. Fresh acidity and firm, silty tannins provide excellent backbone and promise stellar cellaring potential.

The Vintage

As a result of the dry and temperate winter, the 2020 bud-break began a few weeks earlier than average. Spring did not bring much relief for growers in terms of water supply and irrigations were started early and continued frequently throughout the growing season. The vintage will forever be remembered by the August 14th extreme heat wave followed by and unprecedented round of over 11,000 lightning strikes across Northern California over a 36-hour period. The rest of the growing season and resulting harvest was more like an action packed movie than grape growing or winemaking. We came together as a team, however, and worked extremely hard, at times in dangerous circumstances, to produce a portfolio of beautiful, well-balanced, meticulously-crafted 2020 Vineyard 29 wines.

The Vineyard

The 29 Estate Vineyard sits on a hillside just at the “pinch” of Napa Valley’s hourglass shape. Planted in 2000, our small cabernet franc block lies on a northwest-facing slope at the southern edge of the 29 Estate—providing the gorgeous vineyard view from the winery’s terrace. A tree line provides afternoon shade in this stressed, rocky block that has incredible drainage, producing deeply concentrated fruit at harvest time.

Harvest Date(s)
September 21 – September 23, 2020

Barrel Age
20 months, 70% new, 100% French oak

Cooperage
Artisan, Taransaud, Ermitage, Saury

Composition
92% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottling Date(s)
June 8, 2022

Cases Produced
137

Release Date
October 1, 2023

Release Price
$140 ~750ml

The Wine

Rich and regal in hue, the 2021 Aida Estate Cabernet opens with the opulence of rich red plums and alluring black currants. Delving deeper, notes of scorched earth evokes a sense of its vineyard source and fresh pencil shavings adds subtle nuances. Red and black fruits dominate on the palate with commanding authority and boast unparalleled intensity and concentration that resonate long after the last sip is taken. This wine promises to age with elegance and polish over the next 20+ years.

The Vintage

From the very first days of harvest, we knew the 2021 vintage was a stellar one. The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than typical due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines along and the summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful. Evocative of the 2016 and 2013 vintages but with exceptional qualities of this vintage, the 2021 Aida Estate wines are delicious upon release while still being supremely cellar worthy.

The Vineyard

Our Aida Estate Vineyard has confirmed our initial belief that this site would be the ideal location for growing Bordeaux varietals. Just north of the pinch in the hourglass of the Napa Valley, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from our Aida Estate provide the bold, structured backbone for this immensely enjoyable wine.

Harvest Date(s)
September 6, 2021 — September 9, 2021

Barrel Age
20 months, 65% new French oak

Cooperage
Baron, Cadus, Ermitage, Saury, Taransaud

Blend
99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot; 100% Aida Estate vineyard

Bottling Date(s)
June 12, 2023

Cases Produced
485

Release Date
Winter 2024

Retail Price
$315 ~750ml

The Wine

Lively and expressive, the 2021 Aida Estate Zinfandel presents itself as a beautiful jewel in the glass. On the nose, aromatic brambly blackberry, cedar and fresh tobacco leaf are adorned by exotic fragrances of sandalwood, cardamom and ethereal white flowers. Mexican cocoa and blueberry cobbler fill out every inch of the palate which takes on a creamy, almost yogurt-like texture. Offering the best of both worlds, this wine is vibrant and youthful upon release while still being structured for ageablity.

The Vintage

From the very first days of harvest, we knew the 2021 vintage was a stellar one. The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than typical due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines along and the summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful. Evocative of the 2016 and 2013 vintages but with exceptional qualities of this vintage, the 2021 Aida Estate wines are delicious upon release while still being supremely cellar worthy.

The Vineyard

Our Aida Estate Vineyard has confirmed our initial belief that this site would be the ideal location for growing Bordeaux varietals as well as Zinfandel. Just north of the pinch in the hourglass of the Napa Valley, the Zinfandel grapes from our Aida Estate provide the bold, structured backbone for this immensely enjoyable wine.

Harvest Date(s)
September 3, 2021

Barrel Age
20 months, 100% new French Oak Puncheons

Cooperage
Ermitage and Saury

Blend
85% 48 year old dry farmed Zinfandel vines; 15% Petite Sirah; 100% Aida Estate vineyard

Bottling Date(s)
June 7, 2023

Cases Produced
295

Release Date
Winter 2024

Retail Price
$125 ~750ml

The Wine

The 2021 Aida Estate Merlot opens as an exotic garden with scents of violets, orchids and earthy crushed rocks. Gentle swirling gives way to secondary notes of well-aged cigar box and pencil shavings and sets the stage for a dynamic palate. Ripe Bing cherry, black raspberry and black plum dominate and fill out the palate while anise, refined chocolate and spice add depth and complexity to this firm and well structured wine. A long, drawn-out finish echoes the intensity of a Petrus and hints at this wine’s impressive aging potential.

The Vintage

From the very first days of harvest, we knew the 2021 vintage was a stellar one. The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than typical due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines along and the summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful. Evocative of the 2016 and 2013 vintages but with exceptional qualities of this vintage, the 2021 Aida Estate wines are delicious upon release while still being supremely cellar worthy.

The Vineyard

Our Aida Estate Vineyard has confirmed our initial belief that this site would be the ideal location for growing Bordeaux varietals. Just north of the pinch in the hourglass of the Napa Valley, the Merlot grapes from our Aida Estate provide a rich and supple, yet muscled backbone for this immensely enjoyable wine.

Harvest Date(s)
September 3, 2021

Barrel Age
20 months, 65% New French Oak

Cooperage
Nadalie, Orion, Saury, Taransaud

Blend
97% Merlot; 3% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottling Date(s)
June 8, 2023

Cases Produced
216

Release Date
Winter 2024

Retail Price
$165 ~750ml

The Wine

Rich and aromatic, aromas of chocolate-covered raspberry, German chocolate cake, vanilla and luscious spiced rum dominate the nose, while the lively, clean palate offers hints of ripe fig and a touch of spearmint. This dessert wine pairs perfectly with the fruit component of your cheese platter or try with Roquefort stuffed figs wrapped in prosciutto and drizzled with aged balsamic. Save the last sip to savor with a bite of dark chocolate. Enjoy this complex and utterly delicious Late Harvest Zinfandel upon release, or cellar into 2023 and beyond.

The Vintage

We use a modified solera-style program marrying wine lots from 2002-2017, the decadent depth of older vintages perfectly balancing the youthful freshness of the newer wines. The result is a dessert wine of luxurious depth and complexity.

The Vineyard

Produced in tiny quantities, this Late Harvest release is crafted from two heritage blocks of zinfandel planted in 1973 on the gently undulating slopes of our Aida Estate just two miles north of the winery. Stretching from Highway 29 to the Napa River, the soils are rich and rocky from ancient river deposits—similar to France’s southern Rhône Valley—forcing the roots to search deeply for water and yielding small, concentrated grapes that produce wines with beautifully ripe flavors and firm tannin structure.

Harvest Date(s)
Multi-Vintage

Barrel Age
Modified Solera blending

Cooperage
Saury, Demptos | French Oak

Composition
100% Zinfandel

Bottling Date(s)
June 5, 2018

Cases Produced
25

Release Date
Fall 2018

Release Price
$95 ~750ml

The Wine

Our 2020 CEANDA Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark fruit profile complimented by floral notes of violets and lavender. The wine enters full and fresh with black cassis and blueberry flavors along with baking spices and crushed rock. Blended from our Aida and 29 Estate vineyards, CEANDA possesses the power of Aida as well as the finesse and elegance of the 29 Estate. The depth of the mid-palate is impressive with ample concentration and richness, refreshing acidity and a sleek tannin structure leading to a long, drawn-out finish. This estate Cabernet is crafted to be enjoyable upon release and will age gracefully for well over a decade.

The Vintage

As a result of the dry and temperate winter, the 2020 bud-break began a few weeks earlier than average. Spring did not bring much relief for growers in terms of water supply and irrigations were started early and continued frequently throughout the growing season. The vintage will forever be remembered by the August 14th extreme heat wave followed by and unprecedented round of over 11,000 lightning strikes across Northern California over a 36-hour period. The rest of the growing season and resulting harvest was more like an action packed movie than grape growing or winemaking. We came together as a team, however, and worked extremely hard, at times in dangerous circumstances, to produce a portfolio of beautiful, well-balanced, meticulously-crafted 2020 Vineyard 29 wines.

The Vineyard

The CEANDA Cabernet Sauvignon is a symbolic representation of the passion and dedication that Chuck and Anne McMinn have bestowed upon their prized vineyards. Both a blend of their vineyards, as well as their names, CEANDA stands tall as a beautiful new addition to the Vineyard 29 family.

Harvest Date(s)
September 10–23, 2020

Barrel Age
20 months, 60% new, 40% once-used thin stave, tight grain, 22mm French oak barrels

Cooperage
Taransaud, Ermitage, Baron, Artisan

Blend
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot

Bottling Date(s)
June 7, 2022

Cases Produced
346

Release Date
Spring 2023

Release Price
$150 ~750ml

The Wine

Enticing aromas of bing cherry, dried lavender and roasted coffee beans awake the senses and set the stage for a full throttled palate of ripe blackberry and both red and black cherries. An undercurrent of seamlessly integrated oak shows itself with notes of cedar, all spice and sandalwood and adds to the fresh, lifted flavor profile that carries all the way through the lengthy finish. Amazing energy and verge, this wine is structured to age for decades but also quite drinkable upon release. CRU is always crafted with meticulous attention to detail in Vineyard 29’s gravity flow facility, which assures that each vintage is showing beautifully right out of the gates.

The Vintage

The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than the 2020 season due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines but the overall dry winter led to slow shoot growth and smaller than average shoots in most cases around the valley. Thankfully, those who started their irrigation program early, April in the case of Vineyard 29 and Aida Estate, were able to convince the shoots to grow to adequate length so that each shoot could ripen its clusters evenly and optimally. Early season frosts were common in the coldest parts of the valley, thus decreasing overall yields come harvest time. The summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful and the resulting wines are stunning. A truly exceptional vintage.

The Vineyard

Our CRU Cabernet is deeply rooted in the vineyards of St. Helena that surround our estate, with about 60% of the fruit coming from neighboring growers. Each year, we hand-select the balance of the blend from different parts of the valley to layer together a delicious, well-rounded and beautifully balanced wine that expresses the nuance and character of the Napa Valley. Fourteen vineyards play a role in the CRU bottling, including valley floor and mountain Cabernet and Malbec, valley floor Petit Verdot and Merlot, and bench land Cabernet Franc blocks, which all contribute to the juicy approachability and great structure of CRU Cabernet.

Harvest Date(s)
September 5 – October 6, 2021

Barrel Age
18 months in 50% new Oak, 100% French Oak

Cooperage
Taransaud, Quintessence, Demptos, Saury, Ermitage, Baron, Boutes, Cadu

Blend
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Petite Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec

Bottling Date(s)
May 22, 2023

Cases Produced
4,596

Release Date
October 1, 2023

Release Price
$95 ~750ml

The Wine

Aromas of juicy plum and fresh blueberry cobbler frame this opulent and vibrant wine and help to weave a palate of milk chocolate, tobacco leaf and graphite. Structure is built by beautiful French oak that lends notes of sandalwood, Tahitian vanilla and subtle baking spices. Full bodied with firm tannins but also a softness makes this wine easy and pleasurable to drink. The CRU Oakville Cabernet is a true standalone in the Vineyard 29 portfolio. Where the St. Helena based Cabernets are primarily black and red fruit-driven, the CRU Oakville leans towards the blue and purple fruits. This wine is enjoyable upon release and will age gracefully for 15+ years.

The Vintage

The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than the 2020 season due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines but the overall dry winter led to slow shoot growth and smaller than average shoots in most cases around the valley. Thankfully, those who started their irrigation program early, April in the case of Vineyard 29 and Aida Estate, were able to convince the shoots to grow to adequate length so that each shoot could ripen its clusters evenly and optimally. Early season frosts were common in the coldest parts of the valley, thus decreasing overall yields come harvest time. The summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful and the resulting wines are stunning. A truly exceptional vintage.

The Vineyard

Our CRU Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville is sourced from two Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Oakville, Rancho Pequeno and Ashe Vineyards, along with a small amount of Cabernet Franc from St. Helena and Malbec from Mt. Veeder, which we layer together for a delicious, well-rounded and beautifully balanced wine that expresses the nuance and character of their respective sites. All the vineyards play a role in this uniquely focused CRU bottling, contributing to the juicy approachability and great structure that our CRU Cabernet Sauvignons are known for.

Harvest Date(s)
October 4 – October 6, 2021

Barrel Age
18 months in 55% new Oak, 100% French Oak

Cooperage
Taransaud, Saury, Cadus, Artisan

Blend
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot

Bottling Date(s)
May 16, 2023

Cases Produced
175

Release Date
October 1, 2023

Release Price
$125 ~750ml

The Wine

Rich and massive upon entry, the 2021 CRU Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena is black fruit driven throughout. These dark notes intermingle with secondary flavors of toasted brioche, juicy plums and fresh pencil shavings. Full bodied and powerful this wine is structured by firm, grippy tannins and a tight acid structure. This wine rivals other Cabernets at three times its price point in terms of concentration, weight and richness. Powerful and intense in its youth, this gem will continue to develop for decades to come.

The Vintage

The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than the 2020 season due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines but the overall dry winter led to slow shoot growth and smaller than average shoots in most cases around the valley. Thankfully, those who started their irrigation program early, April in the case of Vineyard 29 and Aida Estate, were able to convince the shoots to grow to adequate length so that each shoot could ripen its clusters evenly and optimally. Early season frosts were common in the coldest parts of the valley, thus decreasing overall yields come harvest time. The summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful and the resulting wines are stunning. A truly exceptional vintage.

The Vineyard

Our CRU Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena is primarily sourced from our Railroad Estate Vineyard in St. Helena along with blending components from other St. Helena vineyards as well as a small amount of Malbec from Mt. Veeder, which we layer together for a delicious, well-rounded and beautifully balanced wine that expresses the nuance and character of their respective sites. All the vineyards play a role in this uniquely focused CRU bottling, contributing to the juicy approachability and great structure that our CRU Cabernet Sauvignons are known for.

Harvest Date(s)
September 7 – 14, 2021

Barrel Age
18 months in 60% new Oak, 100% French Oak

Cooperage
Taransaud, Saury, Baron, Ermitage

Blend
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 1% Petite Verdot

Bottling Date(s)
May 16, 2023

Cases Produced
445

Release Date
October 1, 2023

Release Price
$125 ~750ml

The Wine

The 2021 CRU Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc possesses white floral, orange blossom and bright citrus aromas complimented by hints reminiscent of all-spice and key lime pie. This refreshing, enticing beauty opens with flavors of Meyer lemon and kumquat, while the mid-palate is structured and firm with a crème brûlée-like texture and tremendous length. Fresh and balanced, food-friendly and utterly delicious, those are few words to describe the 2021 CRU Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Pairs well with salads, shellfish and flaky white fish and is wonderfully satisfying on its own.

The Vintage

The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than the 2020 season due to a colder than average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines but the overall dry winter led to slow shoot growth and smaller than average shoots in most cases around the valley. Thankfully, those who started their irrigation program early, April in the case of Vineyard 29 and Aida Estate, were able to convince the shoots to grow to adequate length so that each shoot could ripen its clusters evenly and optimally. Early season frosts were common in the coldest parts of the valley, thus decreasing overall yields come harvest time. The summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies and ideal ripening conditions aided in a slow and steady sugar accumulation period alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful and the resulting wines are stunning. A truly exceptional vintage.

The Vineyard

“Wine is made in the vineyard” serves as the philosophy for Keith Emerson, Director of Winemaking at Vineyard 29, and is the guiding principle behind our CRU wines. From site selection to crop yield to harvest planning, each farming decision is made with the final blend in mind. Keith’s deliberate and detail-oriented winemaking results in elegantly composed wines that depict the best of Napa Valley.

Harvest Date(s)
August 19–25, 2021

Barrel Age
11 months, 30% new French oak

Cooperage
100% French thin stave, tight grain water bent and steam bent barrels from Ermitage, Saury, Orion and Quintessence

Bottling Date(s)
August 16, 2022

Cases Produced
364

Release Date
Spring 2023

Release Price
$45 ~750ml

The Wine

The 2018 CRU Pinot Noir has a gorgeous bouquet of gingerbread, Chinese five spice, earthy forest floor with cedar and sandalwood-like incense. The wine enters with great energy, juicy red and black fruits with hints of toffee, dried rose petal and orange pekoe tea. Silky yet mouth coating with fine, elegant ripe tannins and a lingering finish. This wine will drink fantastic upon release and will continue to evolve over the next 3-8 years in bottle.

The Vintage

The 2018 growing season in the northwest Willamette Valley was ideal for high quality Pinot Noir. The summer was hotter than average but timely rains and cooler temperature in the early fall led to lovely fruit quality, uniform ripeness and developed tannin profiles in the grapes. The overall yields were above average in 2018, as were color profile and acidity in the finished Pinot Noir wines. The CRU Pinot Noir was harvested from two vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton (Shea Vineyard and Domaine Danielle Laurent), as well as one vineyard in the cooler, later ripening McMinnville Hills, Hyland Estate. The Yamhill-Carlton region experienced slightly warmer days than the McMinnville Hills and those particular CRU Pinot Noir blocks were harvested a couple of weeks apart.

The Vineyard

Fulfilling his mantra of “Winemaking begins in the vineyard”, in 2010 Keith Emerson began pursuing opportunities to work with growers in one of the premier pinot noir locations in the country – Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Harvest Date(s)
September 28 — October 3, 2018

Barrel Age
10 months in 50% New Oak, 100% French Oak

Cooperage
Tonnellerie Remond, Tonnellerie O, Cadus, Saury

Bottling Date(s)
August 14, 2019

Cases Produced
562

Release Date
Spring 2020

Retail Price
$45 ~ 750ml

The Wine

Juicy blackberry and currants, fresh tobacco and dried lavender aromas. Full bodied and concentrated with black fruits, chocolate covered espresso bean, hints of pencil shavings, a velvety texture and structured tannin profile, this incredibly balanced and polished limited production CRU Napa Valley Merlot is thoroughly enjoyable upon release and will age beautifully for the next decade.

The Vintage

The 2018 growing season began with a mild, beautiful Spring which extended flowering and provided ideal conditions for berry set, thus yielding uniform grape clusters. Temperatures were warm and steady throughout the summer, with very few heat spikes or dry wind patterns which were quite impactful during the 2017 growing season. The 2018 harvest began approximately two weeks later than the previous few vintages and it continued until the end of October. There was a minor rain event on October 2nd and 3rd but it did not negatively impact grape quality. It simply provided a break in the harvest as we allowed for a few dry out days before resuming the harvest. This long, drawn out, bountiful harvest yielded beautiful, dense, concentrated wines with intense color and a unique freshness to them.

The Vineyard

“Wine is made in the vineyard” serves as the philosophy for Keith Emerson, Director of Winemaking at Vineyard 29, and is the guiding principle behind our CRU wines. From site selection to crop yield to harvest planning, each farming decision is made with the final blend in mind. Keith’s deliberate and detail-oriented winemaking results in elegantly composed wines that depict the best of Napa Valley.

Harvest Date(s)
September 4 — October 5, 2018

Barrel Age
18 months in 60% new Oak, 100% French Oak

Cooperage
Saury, Ermitage, Nadalie

Blend
85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec

Bottling Date(s)
May 14, 2020

Cases Produced
120

Release Date
Summer 2021

Retail Price
$55 ~ 750ml

The Wine

Enticing aromas of fresh rose petals, tangerine rind, and bright red fruits lead to an inviting entry filled with plump red raspberries, juicy strawberries, Kaffir lime, and ripe kiwi fruit. The neutral French oak barrel fermentation and subsequent 4 month aging provides a slight yogurt-like texture, which is balanced by mouthwatering acidity and firm structure. This limited production, meticulously crafted Napa Valley Rose finishes long and drawn out with a persistent, fruit-forward finish. In two words, fresh and zippy. In one word, delicious.

The Vintage

The 2022 growing season began in early March following a few wet winter months, which set the stage for an excellent bud-break. Timing was in-line with the five-year average, and warmer temperatures during the last week of February helped to push smooth development across the valley. Bud-break continued with pleasant weather, and February and March were significantly warmer than in 2021. April was a bit cooler than average and some vineyards had to be protected from potential frost damage, but things warmed up in May providing adequate conditions for bloom and eventually, fruit set. The summer months of the growing season were remarkably consistent. Warm days and cool nights. A perfect diurnal weather pattern for flavor development along with bright acidity. During Labor Day weekend, an unprecedented period of triple digit highs shocked the valley—nine days straight of triple digits and some weather stations even recording temperatures above 120°F! Growers continued to pick at lightning speed due to the extreme heat from the Labor Day weekend. Several vineyards were harvested during or soon after the heat wave while others held strong into the first two weeks of October, when the last of the fruit made its way to the winery. The majority of the late ripening fruit came from the Rutherford and Oakville areas.

The Vineyard

“Wine is made in the vineyard” serves as the philosophy for Keith Emerson, Director of Winemaking at Vineyard 29, and is the guiding principle behind our CRU wines. From site selection to crop yield to harvest planning, each farming decision is made with the final blend in mind. Keith’s deliberate and detail-oriented winemaking results in elegantly composed wines that depict the best of Napa Valley.

Harvest Date(s)
September 1 – 19, 2022

Barrel Age
4 months, 100% used French oak

Cooperage
Saury Immersion, Ermitage Steam Bent, Orion Neptune, Quintessance Opaline

Bottling Date(s)
February 8, 2023

Cases Produced
360

Release Date
February 2023

Release Price
$45 ~750ml

Notes

Traditional medium body oil of Frantoio, Leccino and Maurino olives. Ripe fruit flavors, some pungent characteristics with soft, buttery, nutty notes and a light peppery finish.

Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Country of Origin
USA, Tracy CA

Press Date
November 15,2022

Acidity
0.19%

Intensity
Medium

Release Price
$45

Produced by Scarlata Farms, Napa CA