2007 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon CRU
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Tasting notes
(from non-estate fruit; includes 7% merlot and 3% cabernet franc) Good deep red. The slightly roasted aromas of black cherry, licorice, menthol and mocha suggest a range of ripeness. Sweet and lush but not at all over the top, with a touch of minerality and a medicinal reserve to the dark fruit flavors. Finishes with a broad dusting of sweet tannins, ripe acidity and very good length. The cabernets made at this state-of-the-art winery are never pumped, according to winemaker Philippe Melka.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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One of Napa’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in the $50 range is Vineyard 29's 2007 Cru. Produced by owners Chuck and Ann McMinn and their consulting winemaker, Philippe Melka, there are 5,000 cases of this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are all purchased, and the wine is made at their state-of-the-art facility just off Highway 29 north of St. Helena. This beautiful wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as pure black currant fruit aromas intermixed with notions of licorice, charcoal, subtle smoke, and high class unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is an elegant, stunningly concentrated, seductive, lush wine that should age nicely for a decade or more. Tel. (707) 963-1619; Fax (707) 887-1688