Over the years we have experienced many wine tastings in
Napa: the styles or art of the wine is richly varied along with the venues
ranging from intimately casual to just plain impressive. Our first experience
with Vineyard 29 came through the generosity of our NetSuite software supplier in
a previous corporate life. Since then, through the “research” of others we have
joined their wine club and are bi-annual recipients of their Cru Cabernet
non-estate offering, a truly exceptional value. We had the privilege through
the advance planning of our “entourage” to participate in a private tasting at
the Vineyard 29 estate.
Our tasting began
casually on the terrace overlooking a view of the Napa valley where we enjoyed
a Sauvignon Blanc and CRU Cabernet. The owner, Chuck Mcminn (with wife Anne)
took time to share the history of the estate and the present vision for making
an extraordinary wine, approachable in its youth while also rewarding patience
in the cellar. Do not miss reading the history at www.vineyard29.com Austin Gallion, our
host, has a diverse culinary & wine background that enhanced the experience
of the tour. The winemaker Philippe Melka, along with a remarkable staff, is
responsible for turning the vision into reality.
As we toured their modern facility we were impressed by the
introduction of cutting edge technology into the process and art of
winemaking. The expressed goal of “be gentle
and selective with the grapes and use gravity only” is exhibit from growth,
harvesting, “crushing”, fermentation, racking, and aging to bottling. The
over-the-top application of technology even includes sensor measurement of
watering to individual vines in order to optimize their struggle. Other related factoids: multi-ton oak
barreling with gravity to elevator “pump-over” after stainless steel vat
fermentation to smooth tannins, gravity hoses to French oak barrel racking, use
of native yeast in perfect balance where grapes allow, sorting of grapes with
laser technology.
Upon arrival at the tasting room deep inside the cave corridor
we were greeted with a well set table of wine and food pairings; the tasting
order was 1) 2009 Aida Estate Zinfandel
2) 2008 Aida Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 3) 2009 29 Estate Cabernet Franc.
All of these wines exhibit a great combination of power, nuance and finesse
that delights the palate. Only because of our preference for cabernet, the 2008
Aida Estate was our personal favorite with a big wow factor all around; from
the caramel/tobacco nose to the big complex bright dark berry over the mid-palate
to the lingering finish the wine is extraordinary, making our description
inadequate. Better to view the winemaker’s notes on their website at www.vineyard29.com
Located on a vista overlooking the narrowest point of the
Napa Valley their address is 2929 Hwy 29 (St. Helena Hwy N.) and
“coincidentally” the combination of their V29 & Aida Estate Vineyards is 29
acres! So if you cannot remember the address, no blame on our part J This is RJ Kirk with Café
1853, Cheers!
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