Stunning. Smooth. Addictive. — 4 months ago
I compare the Heitz Napa to the Joseph Phelps Napa in many ways. I believe the Phelps is slightly less vintage dependent than Heitz. But, this 07 like the vintage in Napa, sensational.
This 2007 is peaking. Perfectly ripe & juicy; brambly blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries/kirsch, blueberries come on late and poached strawberries on the edges. The tannins are still dark and tarry. Rich, sweet, dark soils, mid & dark berry cola, anise, steeped black tea, dry tobacco, used leather, cedar/sandalwood, clove, nutmeg, some cinnamon & vanillin, moist, grey volcanic clay, dry crushed rocks, limestone, mid spice, hints of grilled meat, some fresh/dry herds, a tad of eucalyptus, stewy/tumble weed, fresh & withering dark, red, blue florals framed in violets, excellent round acidity, the scope of the finishes encompasses; balance for days, nice structure & tensioned, elegant, polished and lasts two minutes.
Photos all taken around their tasting room on Hwy 29 when their tasting was still the last free tasting in Napa. Still not over the family selling to a corporation that has no wine experience. — 9 months ago
Firehouse restaurant winemaker dinner with Keith Emerson of Vineyard 29.
WINES:
2021 Vineyard 29 Cru sav blanc
2021 Vineyard 29 Aida Estate Zinfandel
2021 Vineyard 29 Estate cab franc
2021 Vineyard 29 Aida Estate merlot
2019 Vineyard 29 Estate cab sauvignon
2019 Vineyard 29 Aida Estate cab sav
2013 Vineyard 29 Estate 100 pt cab sav
FOOD:
Shrimp & Rock crab cake
Braised Duck spring roll
Herb crusted lamb loin
BBQ short rib raviolo
Grilled Venison w/confit turnips/candied fig
Hazelnut fig cake — 2 months ago
Classic notes of left bank Bordeaux. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Initially a sweet palate but after a few hours, restrained, balanced and a little dusty and herbaceous. Very fine tannins - totally resolved and seamless. A classy wine - the 2nd wine of a leading First Growth from a good vintage. — 6 months ago
Haven’t had a CRU for awhile. At Rutherford Grill and a friend ordered this bottle and we didn’t have much and she didn’t want it so I took it home. Wasn’t impressed at the restaurant but the second night at home it really shined! — 2 months ago
Eric Urbani
Doid’t realize it was a ‘21 before opening. Like this producer although I’d let this one age 5+ more years — 6 days ago