2007 Vineyard Cru Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

[wondersofwine]

From Chuck and Ann McMinn with Philippe Melka as winemaker. I was introduced to their wines last April in Charlotte. Said to be a veritable cult wine. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. About $45-$50 a bottle. (Their 2007 Vineyard 29 Aida C.S. is about $150 a bottle. I got a small taste of Aida in Charlotte and was impressed with it but was shocked by the price. The 2007 Vineyard 29 Aida Zinfandel is about $65-$75 a bottle.)
14.8% abv. Very dark purple color; opaque. Nose and palate share black currants and a slightly savory underpinning. Smooth from first impression to finish. Approachable now but appears to have enough structure to cellar several years. I like this better than 80% of the Cal Cabs I taste, probably because it is less green and less tannic than most Cabs this young. Here is a link to other reviews: http://www.sokolin.com/articles/Staff-Review-Articles.aspx?id=83

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 12-03-2010).]

[winoweenie]

Is their vineyard nexrt door to Grace? WW

[winoweenie]

Answering my own question... Yeppo this is Dick and Ann Graces' next door neighbor. My memory seems to say they bought this in the late 80s' and their 1st vintage was in the early 90s. A gorgeous piece of land but minuscule at about 2-3 acres. 'Course Graces' original property under vines was all of ONE whole acre. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 12-05-2010).]