This is the inaugural vintage for star winemaker Keith Emerson, previously famous as Melka's protege—now renowned for his work at Robert Craig, Skipstone, Vinoce, Emerson Brown, Sonria, and a few more.
He follows in a short line of amazing winemakers at Vineyard 29:
- Heidi Barrett (1995—1998) vinified at Grace Family Vineyards
- Philippe Melka (1999—2001) vinified at Miner Family Vineyards
- Philippe Melka (2002—2017) produced and bottled at Vineyard 29
- Keith Emerson (2018-Current) produced and bottled at Vineyard 29
Philippe Melka headed the team for almost 20 years; 2018 marks Keith Emerson’s first vintage as winemaker after serving 13 years as part of the team.
More history:
Vineyard 29 is located just north of the town of St. Helena, and was founded by Teresa Norton and Tom Paine in 1989, with the able assistance of lauded vineyard manager David Abreu. Purchased by Chuck and Anne McMinn in 2000, the winery expanded from a single vineyard and built its own winery, too. The CRU bottling is all about representing the broader character of the Napa wine-growing region, sourcing grapes through their established long term partnerships with growers of extraordinary fruit.
The 2018 CRU Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon holds nothing back upon opening. Grilled meat, cocoa and Bing cherry perfume a beautifully expressive nose. Pulling from multiple vineyards throughout Napa Valley, this wine truly encompasses the incredible diversity that the valley has to offer. Firm tannins and structure house notes of cassis, plums, black peppercorns and fresh tobacco leaf. This wine finishes with a long, weighty finish that never loses its focus and remains pure throughout.
A refresher... 2018 was an incredible vintage for Napa Cab:
Vinous Media gave it 97 points and said "There are so many 2018s that are simply mind-blowing. But what stands out most about the 2018s is their consistency. It is very hard to go wrong with a bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon." Wine Spectator went even further, rating the vintage 99 points and saying "A spectacular year, with wines that are rich and dark, but detailed, restrained in style and very terroir-driven."
This is one to enjoy now and again and again over the next decade++. Don't miss this, if not for yourself: for crossing off your holiday gifting for the year!
Cheers!
—James
