Visiting Vineyard 29

Napa, CA
Tasted Thursday, May 17, 2012 by Kirk Grant with 532 views

Introduction

I'm not one for Napa to be all that honest. There are far too many wines that remind me of "Grown-up Kool-aid". However, I do trust my friend Sarah Sandbeck owner of Sommilier on Wheels when she takes me around to places. This was a surprise trip for me to taste with some others that are in the industry at Vineyard 29. All of the wines were beyond criticism given the overall experience that I had with Austin Gallion the Director of Hospitality.

Flight 1 - Tasting the Cru line (2 Notes)

Sitting on the deck Austin walked us all through the concept and idea behind putting something out that was ready to drink immediately with no need to cellar at a reasonable SSRP in the $50 range. Sitting on the deck was a great way to start hearing the history of the vineyard, the family, and the plans for the future

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  • 2010 Vineyard 29 Sauvignon Blanc Cru

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Color: light golden yellow.
    Smell: crushed stone, floral notes, and tropical fruits
    Taste: tropical fruits, lemon, and wet stone
    Overall: A really serious and fun wine that is delicious and all to easy to gulp. Med body, high acid, med+ fruit, and a long finish. Outstanding
    More: Austin Gallion the director of hospitality here really does a great job of sharing the history, viticulture, and scope of Vineyard 29.

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  • 2009 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Color: Opaque Violet
    Smell: Blue & black fruit, milk chocolate, and cigar box
    Taste: Dark fruit, chocolate, and hints of cedar
    Overall: Lush, round, and easy to see many people enjoying this style of wine. Medium body, moderate acidity, medium+ intensity, and a medium length finish. Excellent

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Flight 2 - Vineyard 29 Estate & Aida (3 Notes)

Paired with duck, beef, and lamb. This was a great way to show the complexity of the wines that is lost without the food.

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  • 2009 Vineyard 29 Zinfandel Aida Estate

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    Color: Opaque Violet
    Smell: Dark fruits, dark chocolate, blueberries, and leather
    Taste: black cherries, black berries, licorice, and spices
    Overall: Really lush, smooth, and bold. Yet, also a bit of a one-trick pony. I don't see how anyone could drink more than a taste of this before being overwhelmed by the style. Medium+ body, moderate acid, intense fruit, and a moderate length finish. Excellent

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  • 2008 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Aida Estate

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    Color: Opaque Violet
    Smell: Dark fruits, dark chocolate, blueberries, lead pencil, leather, crushed granite, and alcohol
    Taste: black fruit, spices, dark chocolate, crushed granite
    Overall: Really lush, smooth, bold, and tight. I don't think this is honestly at a point where it's enjoyable, but it will be with some time sideways. This deserves a good 3-5 years in the cellar, and then it should do well if the alcohol doesn't overpower it in time. Medium+ body, moderate acid, Bold tannin, intense fruit, and a moderate length finish. Outstanding

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  • 2009 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Franc 29 Estate

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    Color: Opaque Violet
    Smell: Dark fruits, faint bell pepper, violets, and blueberries
    Taste: Bing cherry, cassis, chewing tobacco, and clove
    Overall: Really lush and smooth but with better acidity than the Aida Zin. I don't see drinking this very often, but I could see this being a good fit for a late winter's evening by the fire with charred steak. Medium body, medium acid, intense fruit, and a medium-long finish. Outstanding

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Flight 3 - Later that night (1 Note)

Always a fan of Oregon Pinot Noir, I had to see what they were doing with the Willamette Valley fruit. I have to say I was really impressed by the quality, but I'd still argue that this is a wine that deserves some time in the cellar.

  • 2010 Vineyard 29 Pinot Noir Cru

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    Color: ruby
    Smell: earth, clove, & high tone red fruits
    Taste: cherry, strawberry, and a melange of red fruits
    Overall: a really delicate and light Pinot Noir that does a good job of being exactly what it is supposed to be. Light body, med+ acid, light-medium fruit, and a moderate length finish. An excellent wine

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