By Vineyard 29
2023 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

Vineyard
Our Cru St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced primarily from block 2 of our Aida Estate Vineyard in northern St. Helena. We also use blending components from two other vineyards just to the south, as well as a small amount of Petit Verdot from Rutherford. The resulting blend showcases the powerful, structured black-fruit profile that the St. Helena appellation is known for. Each vineyard plays a role in this uniquely focused Cru bottling, contributing to the juicy approachability and great structure that our Cru Cabernet Sauvignons are known for.

Vintage
Napa Valley saw approximately 40 inches of rainfall over the winter of 2022-2023. The 2023 grape growing season began two weeks later than the five-year average as a result of the cooler- and wetter-than-average winter and early spring. The vines had an ample amount of water without being oversaturated, shoot growth was steady, flowering and fruit set were also two weeks later than usual, and veraison did not take place in most vineyards until mid-August. Growers and winemakers, at that time, knew that they were in for a long, late harvest. Patience was the name of the game for the 2023 vintage. Early-ripening varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc were mostly picked in early to mid-September (as opposed to late August), and the Cabernet harvest lasted until November 10, a record for Vineyard 29! Mother Nature was extremely generous in 2023 as the weather stayed moderate and the sun kept shining, thus allowing the vines to slowly ripen their clusters. The yields were bountiful, and the wines are extremely dark in color (reds), full of aromatics, opulent, rich, and juicy. There is amazing acid structure and fully developed tannins across the board for the red varietals. The whites are fresh and delicious as well. The 2023 vintage will go down as one of the greatest, most unique vintages in quite some time.

Wine Details
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
Harvest Date: September 29, 2023
Barrel Age: 18 months
Cooperage: Taransaud, Saury, Baron, Ermitage
Bottling Date: April 25, 2025
Release Date: October 1, 2025

Tasting Notes
This powerful wine displays expressive aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, layered with violet, baking spice, and a hint of cedar. The palate is plush and generous, reflecting St. Helena's warm, alluvial soils with a core of dark plum, blackberry, and mocha. Firm tannins provide structure, while notes of licorice, graphite, and sweet tobacco add depth. The mid-palate is broad and concentrated, carrying through to a long, lingering finish accented by dark chocolate, espresso, and subtle earthiness. Of the Cru AVA series Cabernets, Cru Saint Helena is the big boy.
[Information provided by Vineyard 29]

Wine: Vineyard 29 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru St. Helena
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
Review Date: 11/2025
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon CRU St. Helena is the star in this range of appellation wines from Vineyard 29. Sumptuous red cherry fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, mocha, spice and new leather all build in the glass. This flamboyant, juicy Cabernet offers plenty of the Vineyard 29 house style at an approachable price.