Tom Garland

9.5

Firehouse restaurant winemaker dinner with Keith Emerson of Vineyard 29.

WINES:
2021 Vineyard 29 Cru sav blanc
2021 Vineyard 29 Aida Estate Zinfandel
2021 Vineyard 29 Estate cab franc
2021 Vineyard 29 Aida Estate merlot
2019 Vineyard 29 Estate cab sauvignon
2019 Vineyard 29 Aida Estate cab sav
2013 Vineyard 29 Estate 100 pt cab sav

FOOD:
Shrimp & Rock crab cake
Braised Duck spring roll
Herb crusted lamb loin
BBQ short rib raviolo
Grilled Venison w/confit turnips/candied fig
Hazelnut fig cake — 2 months ago

with Brenda

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Blend of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%). Deep ruby color. Bold aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, blackberry, orange zest, menthol and violets. Long and linear finish that offers a touch of slate/graphite and a large oak presence. Medium-plus body and chewy tannins. Might need a bit more bottle age. Thanks for sharing, Keith S! — a year ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Second Label Grand Cru is Full of black fruit aromas along with hints of violets, leather and blueberry. Bright black raspberry fruit flavors along with leather and freshly tilled earth notes. Touch of Smokey ash on the finish. Merlot based Bordeaux Blend that includes some Malbec and Carmeniere. Lovely softness and character. Thank You Keith S! — 3 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Medium golden color. Aromas of white flowers, green melon and fresh herbs. Melon, pear, green apple and citrus fruits (grapefruit and pineapple) on the palate with hints of butter and those fresh herbs. Pleasant mineral component on the finish. Lovely smooth and creamy texture (malolactic fermentation) but no sign of oak. Medium acidity. Nice start to the day, Keith S! Revisited in November 2024. Aging beautifully. Taking my rating up to 9.1. — 5 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Bright garnet color. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry and a hint of earth/barnyard funk. Ripe red fruit on the palate with additional notes of minerals. A pleasant bitter note on the finish. Complex and juicy with a bit of power. Nicely balanced. Interesting. Thanks for sharing, Keith S. — 7 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Grenache based Red. Light garnet color. Intense aromas of tar, asphalt, rubber, and dark cherry. Pallet is still reasonably fresh with notes of cooked dark cherry, plum tobacco, roasted nuts and herbs. Hints of watermelon on the long and Smokey finish. Oak has integrated very nicely. Acidity is well balanced. This is an example of a wine that has improved with age. Thank You for sharing Keith S! — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Aromas and flavors of dried black cherries, dried currants and prunes. Hints of minerals and Forrest Floor. Long (but a bit astringent) finish and smooth tannins. Good structure. Revisited in March 2023. This bottle was less astringent. (Thanks Keith!) Taking rating up to 9.0. Revisited again in October 2023. — 4 years ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Pretty light straw , green reflexes . Quite taught and herbaceous on the nose, cut grass with grapefruit , honey , wax , touch toasty , nutty richness . Lemon and lime , slightly toasty notes on the palate, quite long and fresh , saline on the finish . While quite light and not that intense this is still young and could go on like this for another decade or more . — 6 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Bright ruby red color. Aromas of red berries, violets, baking spices and lavender. Pallet is red fruit driven along with hints of tobacco and graphite. Touch of mint on the finish. Medium bodied with very fine tannins. Nice and fresh tasting. Thank You Keith S! Revisited in March 2023. Excellent! — 2 years ago

Joe Estrada

9.7

An AMAZING Cab Sav from @Keith Saarloos — 4 years ago