I’m an avowed fan of Vineyard 29, but the winery’s stuff is so hard to find that I rarely get a chance to experience its wines. How fun to get a bottle of the 2010 “Cru” release, a Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend made up of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 3% Petite Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.

It’s a perfect little wine, wonderfully balanced and drinking shockingly well just 7 months after in bottle. Brilliant cassis, black currants, and plenty of wood, but not overdone. The Port-like raisin character is taken to the perfect level — not jammy and not syrupy, despite the big 14.8% alcohol level. Shades of menthol, violets, and dark chocolate throughout. Great wine from a vintage that’s otherwise shaping up erratically for California.

A / $54 / vineyard29.com

2010 Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon

$54

9.5

Rating

9.5/10

Related Stories:

Review: 2012 Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Review: 2013 Vineyard 29 Cru Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc Review: 2010 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard Review: 2010 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga