Region: Napa Valley, California

Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec

Tasting notes: Plums, Asian spices, tobacco, and lead pencil notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru, which hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a beautifully polished, elegant texture, and outstanding length. This is another gorgeous 2018 displaying notable purity, balance, and length as well as richness. It can be drunk any time over the coming 15+ years.

Producer: At Vineyard 29 they strive to make wine at the very highest level and pinnacle of the land's potential. Through the exceptional pedigree of their land and theory of "elevage" - raising each vintage as one would raise a child - they leverage time honored tradition and new world technology in the pursuit of perfection. Since their first vintage in 1992, Vineyard 29 has been determined to produce the best wines through their technologically sophisticated, gravity-flow winery and caves.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Vineyard 29’s CRU Cabernet is deeply rooted in the vineyards of St. Helena that surround their estate, with about 60% of the fruit coming from neighboring growers. Each year, they hand-select the balance of the blend from different parts of the valley to layer together a delicious, well-rounded and beautifully balanced wine that expresses the nuance and character of the Napa Valley. Fourteen vineyards play a role in the CRU bottling, including valley floor and mountain Cabernet and Malbec, valley floor Petit Verdot and Merlot, and bench land Cabernet Franc blocks, which all contribute to the juicy approachability and great structure of CRU Cabernet.