2011 Vineyard 29 Sauvignon Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc 29 Estate is a beauty. Lemon, honey, mint, white flowers and spices open up in the glass. The 2011 is striking for its freshness and delineation. Sweet floral notes are woven through to the highly expressive finish. Vineyard 29's Sauvignon remains one of the most unique versions in Napa Valley. The style is all about texture and volume, but in 2011 there is an additional dimension of vibrancy that is truly striking. The 2011 was fermented in French oak barrels (100% new), where it spent 20 months prior to being bottled.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc 29 Estate reveals lots of fig and honeyed melons in a fragrant, richly fruity, pure, charming style. Despite being fermented in 100% new French oak, the oak plays a very complementary background to this 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 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
(half of the crop was lost due to shatter; aged for 18 months in new French oak): Good full yellow. Fascinating, penetrating aromas of pineapple, lemon, coconut, botanical herbs and green melon, complemented by sexy oak tones. Densely packed and distinctly rocky, with very strong acidity giving cut to the rich citrus, licorice and lees flavors. Very much in the style of a white Bordeaux and long on the aftertaste. I'd age this for at least a couple years, but decant it if you have to open one now--and don't serve it too cold. These grapes were picked under very good conditions during the last third of September, well before the rains.