The new 2018 vintage is another masterpiece and the most impressive new release we’ve ever judged from this acclaimed Estate. Bravo! Dark purple-colored, this nectar offers a hypnotic perfume of lilacs and red roses plus Darjeeling tea. The texture is weighty – – think heavy corduroy – – and delivers an array of captivating dark fruit flavors balanced by a freshness we find obsession-inducing. Starting with deep & dark smoky oak, cassis, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. Notes of chocolate intermingle with spicy black fruits deftly balanced with hints of dark cocoa on the finish fit for a thoroughbred! This Cabernet blend is monumental in stature now and, without doubt, promises to offer a transcendental experience for the next 10-15 years, peaking at perfection between 2027-2033 in our estimate. That said, don’t wait for this thrill ride; go ahead and pop a cork tonight for a true show-stopper experience (after decanting for 30 minutes!) with grilled meats or aged cheeses!

Vineyard 29 Winery

In 1989, Teresa Norton and Tom Paine came to Napa Valley to retire – a dream that was
quickly replaced by another when they learned their estate was prime cabernet
sauvignon territory. In a matter of weeks, they were putting in a 3-acre vineyard under
the watchful eye of lauded vineyard manager David Abreu and, within a year, planting
cuttings from neighbors, Grace Family Vineyards. The first release in 1992 was warmly
received by press and public alike. Chuck and Anne McMinn acquired Vineyard 29 in 2000 and began its evolution from a
single vineyard to a full scale winery.

The turn of the century ushered in the next phase of Vineyard 29. Along with the
Vineyard 29 property, Chuck and Anne acquired the historic Aida vineyard in 2000 as a
perfect complement to the Vineyard 29 site for expansion of the winery’s portfolio. With
a new, state-of-the-art winemaking facility, and the unquestionable skill of winemaker
Philippe Melka, all the pieces were in place for Chuck and Anne to lead Vineyard 29 to a
new and exciting level of winemaking.