2021 Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru Napa Valley spent 18 months in 65% new barrels, with the rest in once-used oak. Cassis, blueberries, tobacco, and smoky oak notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, textured 2021 with ripe yet firmer tannins, a terrific sense of freshness and purity, and outstanding balance. This classic, impeccably made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is well worth seeking out and will evolve for 15+ years. 91pts JD 

Since the release of their first vintage, Vineyard 29 has been determined to produce the best wines possible, reflecting all the beauty and quality of the Napa Valley. Led by one of the greats, Philippe Melka, the Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon has cultivated a loyal following of Napa fanatics, who crave the best. Melka, who started studying wine on a whim while at the University of Bordeaux is really at the top of the Napa pyramid. Robert Parker named him as one of the 10 best consulting winemakers in the world, and his list of accomplishments is staggering. He has produced world class wines around the world, with stops at Haute Brion and Chateaux Petrus, both in Bordeaux, as well as Dominus Estate in Napa. All of these landmark vineyards make wines that cost hundreds of dollars a bottle. Melka brings an unsurpassed attention to detail and deliberate care to all of his wines.

With the unilateral support of vineyard owners Chuck and Ann McMinn, he relies on an unmatched estate vineyard site and classic winemaking techniques to create their “Cru” wine. Each of the wines are hand-crafted in small lots in their technologically sophisticated, gravity flow winery and caves in St. Helena. Vineyard 29 also employs the most careful, patient (time-consuming and labor intensive) techniques to create a wine that fully express the potential of its vineyard heritage — their Napa terroir. Applying the Old World theory of “elevage” — raising each vintage as one would raise a child — means giving the vines the height of gentle care and attention.

The 2021 Napa vintage, was another smash, 96pt Parker, 97pts Wine Spectator for the vintage. Drinking superbly now and will improve in the cellar for years to come.