Vineyard 29 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 750ml

Product Info

92pts Vinous Media
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon 29 Estate is one of the successes of the year. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice and leather all race across the palate. The 2020 is heady and bombastic to the core. Making a wine of this level, with all that entailed in 2020, is quite an achievement. Drinking Window 2023 - 2027  - By Antonio Galloni on October 2022

Terroir
Vineyard 29’s estate vineyards are located in the heart of St. Helena, one of Napa Valley’s most respected subregions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The site benefits from a warm daytime climate tempered by cool evening air that flows down from the surrounding hills, preserving acidity while allowing grapes to reach full phenolic maturity. This balance is essential to the estate’s hallmark style—powerful yet controlled.

The soils are primarily well-drained alluvial gravel and sandy loam, deposited by ancient river systems. These soils naturally limit vine vigor and promote deep rooting, concentrating flavor while contributing to the wine’s structural precision. The 2020 vintage was marked by warm conditions and low yields, producing fruit of notable intensity and depth, while careful vineyard management ensured balance and freshness in the finished wine.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Vineyard 29 employs a meticulous, vineyard-driven approach to winemaking, emphasizing precision and site expression. The estate Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested by hand and sorted rigorously to ensure only pristine fruit enters the cellar. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, allowing for controlled extraction that builds structure without sacrificing finesse.

The wine is aged in French oak barrels, a significant portion of which are new, for an extended period. This élevage contributes layers of structure, polish, and complexity, integrating seamlessly with the wine’s dense fruit core. Throughout the process, intervention is measured and deliberate, resulting in a Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects both the power of St. Helena and the refinement of the estate’s philosophy.

Tasting Notes
The 2020 Vineyard 29 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a deep, expressive bouquet. Aromas of blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, and dark plum are immediately present, supported by notes of graphite, cedar, and crushed violet. As the wine opens, secondary layers emerge—dark chocolate, espresso, and subtle baking spice—adding depth and dimension.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, with a concentrated yet polished mouthfeel. Flavors of cassis, black cherry, and black raspberry unfold across a dense core, framed by firm, finely grained tannins that provide both power and elegance. Acidity is well integrated, lending lift and balance to the wine’s richness. Oak influence appears as notes of vanilla, toast, and spice, seamlessly woven into the fruit rather than dominating it.

The finish is long and authoritative, lingering with dark fruit, savory undertones, and a mineral edge that reflects the vineyard’s gravelly soils. Despite its immediate depth, the wine retains composure and precision, signaling significant aging potential.

Food Pairing & Service
Vineyard 29 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 pairs beautifully with rich, structured dishes. Classic matches include grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, and beef tenderloin, where the wine’s tannins and depth complement protein and fat. Braised short ribs, game meats, and dishes finished with savory sauces further highlight its complexity. Aged cheeses such as aged cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano also pair exceptionally well.

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) in a large Bordeaux-style glass. Decanting for 60–90 minutes is recommended to allow the wine to fully open and integrate. While impressive now, this Cabernet Sauvignon is built for long-term cellaring and will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 15–20 years, gaining additional savory and tertiary complexity with time.