Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

The growing season in 1998 was a difficult one for Napa Valley. Cold weather throughout the entire summer resulted in a need to drastically cut the crop and to harvest late (October 15) in order to achieve sufficient ripeness.This vintage drinks best with 45 minutes of decanter time, more than our past vintages. The characteristic Vineyard 29 balance between nose, mid-palate, and finish is definitely evident, as is the juicy, fruit-forward body.The wine was made by Heidi Barrett. It contains 2% petite verdot. It was aged 20 months in French oak and a year in bottle. 600 cases were produced.

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Vinfolio I missed tasting this wine upon release. However, with the strength of Heidi Barrett at the reins and the legacy of the Grace clone, this wine didn't need much help selling. Recent tasting has shown a deeper integration of the flavors away from the complexity noted below by Parker, upon release. The black fruit and licorice are subtly toned down by additional hints of Asian smoked tea and tobacco. The length is there, but it drinks like a claret.

Rating: 88/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 96, May/June 2001 Dark ruby. Roasted cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate and exotic spices on the nose, along with a floral note. Juicy, bright cassis flavor shows a slightly jammy aspect. Good intensity but only moderate real depth of flavor. Finishes with slightly dry tannins. I don't find the density that a barrel sample displayed a year ago.

In stock limited

October 2009

I missed tasting this wine upon release. However, with the strength of Heidi Barrett at the reins and the legacy of the Grace clone, this wine didn't need much help selling. Recent tasting has shown a deeper integration of the flavors away from the complexity noted below by Parker, upon release. The black fruit and licorice are subtly toned down by additional hints of Asian smoked tea and tobacco. The length is there, but it drinks like a claret.

Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator