~ Library Selection ~

Harvest Date: 9/29/01

Maceration: 31 days

Bottling Date: August 15, 2003

Barrel Age: 24 months in French Oak, 75% new

Cooperage: Seguin Moreau, Saury, Radoux

Alcohol: 14.4%

Retail price $115

Release Date: October 2004

Cases produced: 312

This could be the finest Vineyard 29 ever. The vineyard is situated north of St. Helena on the eastern-facing slope of Napa Valley, which subjects it to morning sunlight, and allows a slightly cooler afternoon exposure than much of the rest of the valley. Hence, the growing season is lengthened, and the vines are allowed to obtain maximum physiological ripeness. This results in a wine of complex layers and depth of flavor. The tannins of Vineyard 29 are soft and elegant, characteristic of the Grace Family clone used throughout the vineyard. This complements a rich black cherry and smoky leather nose, and lengthy, viscous mouth feel.

Reviews:

Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate:

"The 2001 is opulent, rich, and full-bodied, with an explosive bouquet of macerated blackberry and cassis fruit, a huge tactile impression, an opulent mid-palate, and a glorious finish with great purity, fruit, and glycerin. It is the finest offering I have yet tasted from this Napa estate...This seamless, provocative, gorgeously intense 2001 will be at its best between 2005-2015."

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:

"Good bright red-ruby. Dusty aromas of redcurrant and loam, lifted by a sexy floral element. Supple, broad and quite dry; larger-scaled and more layered than the 2000, with a more sophisticated texture and intriguing floral tones. Seriously structured wine, with solid tannins reaching the front teeth."