Vineyard 29 Cru Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Red Wine

Vineyard 29 Cru Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 

Napa Valley, CA

750 ml

93 pts. Vinous:

"The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon CRU Rutherford is laced with black cherry, dried herbs, leather, incense and mocha. There’s plenty of Rutherford character in the dark red fruit and firm, chocolatey tannins. Drink now through 2033."

FROM THE WINERY

THE VINEYARD

Our C¬RU Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from two unique sites on the east side of the Rutherford appellation. One site sits just off of Zinfandel Lane and the other on Conn Creek Road. Both of these mature vineyards yield Cabernets with that signature red Rutherford dust fruit profile. Each vineyard plays a role in this uniquely focused C¬RU bottling, contributing to the juicy approachability and great structure that our CR¬U Cabernet Sauvignons are known for.

THE VINTAGE

Napa Valley saw approximately 40” 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 10th, 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.

THE WINE 

The nose opens with the hallmark “Rutherford dust” character—an earthy minerality interwoven with blackberry, Bing cherry, and ripe plum. Aromatic accents of dried lavender, cocoa, and warm clove add depth and intrigue. On the palate, the wine is bold yet finely balanced, showcasing layers of red currant, cherry, and mocha framed by supple, velvety tannins. Hints of graphite, espresso, and sweet tobacco emerge through the mid-palate, while bright acidity lifts the fruit. The finish is long, refined, and complex, echoing with cassis, spice, and dusty cocoa. A true reflection of Rutherford terroir—structured, textural, red fruit-driven, and built for graceful aging.

Harvest Date: October 31, 2023

Barrel Age: 18 months

Cooperage: Taransaud, Boutes, Cadus, Treuil

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec

Bottling Date: April 25, 2025

Release Date: October 1, 2025

Cases Produced: 248