Neyers Vineyards Bruce's Journal
The 2020 Neyers Left Bank Red
By Bruce Neyers
Friday 3rd November, 2023
The 2020 Left Bank Red – Excellent News from ‘Wine Spectator’
We were delighted this past week to read that the latest issue of ‘Wine Spectator’ included a flattering review of our 2020 Left Bank Red. Here’s what they had to say:
“Light-footed and refined, with elegantly layered red currant, anise and savory spice flavors that glide toward sleek tannins. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2029.”
91 POINTS – Tim Fish
This is a wine made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the fruit comes from the two parcels located in the gravel-rich, southern reaches of our Conn Valley Ranch. Those two blocks sit on the left bank of Conn Creek as it flows through our property, hence the name Left Bank Red. The creek runs from the top of Howell Mountain and ends in the Rutherford-area reservoir known as Lake Hennessey. We also purchase the entire crop from a beautiful Merlot vineyard on Manley Lane in Rutherford, a parcel owned by Gina Trinchero and her family. Those grapes are also included in the wine.
Our 2020 Left Bank Red is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with most of the grapes grown in two parcels that sit on the left bank of Conn Creek as it flows through our property in Conn Valley. This picture is of the 20-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on Toni’s Block. It looks southwest towards the creek, which is at the base of the wooded hill in the distance.
A close-up of the Cabernet Sauvignon clusters on Toni’s Block. The grapes this year are especially healthy, plump, and dark-colored. It looks to be an exceptional harvest, and it’s at least a month later than normal — always an excellent sign for complete ripening.
Merlot clusters from the adjacent Pump Block. A close look shows that the Merlot berries are larger, hence less tannin is in the finished wine. The clusters are also tighter, and the crop is heavier.
