Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This small vineyard changed ownership during the last year. The 1998 was produced by well-known winemaker, Heidi Barrett. The 1998, made from a 3-acre, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted with the "Grace" clone of Cabernet, is an undeniable success for the vintage. Aged 20 months in wood, it exhibits a dense purple color as well as a pure, sweet nose of black currants, spice, licorice, and tobacco. Soft and full-bodied, with supple tannin, outstanding concentration, and excellent balance, it will drink beautifully for 15+ years. The new owner hopes to slowly augment the production of Vineyard 29 to 2,000 cases in three years, and to 4,000-5,000 cases within five years.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.