13th Vineyard

"There was a lot of hype surrounding the Cade 13th tasting and, as a long time wine club member at the sister property, Odette, we finally made a reservation for a private tour and tasting for two at 10:30 a.m. After a long drive up the mountain, we arrived. Parking is a little tricky, and we ended up taking the wrong driveway. Melissa, who turned out to be our host for the morning, came running out to direct us (since this must happen a lot, LOL). We got parked and walked up to the building, but were surprised when there was another couple waiting for the 10:30 am tour and tasting. Melissa said she hoped we didn't mind that two others would be joining us. She also said that she called us to ask if it would be okay (this never happened, by the way), and we were surprised and blindsided, so at this point what could we really say but "okay?" Luckily, it turns out the couple who joined in on our tour and tasting were lovely, but it would've been nice (and appropriate) to have had advance notice. We started out with a walk through the production area, and Melissa shared with us the rich history of the grounds. She was knowledgeable and thorough, and we learned a lot. Next up was a lengthy walk through the caves, with plenty of photo opportunities. We had a glass of white wine in hand at all times, but do note that you are on your feet the entire duration of the tour, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light sweater since the caves are quite chilly (this is also the area where you'll do your tasting). Our place settings were arranged well and the wines were pre-poured. There was a cheese board that was pretty, but it's the same exact standard-issue cheese board that members get at every other Plumpjack property. It would've been a little nicer if it had been elevated a bit, but it was enjoyable to have with the wines. Cade 13th pours reserve vintages of Cade, and it was fun to try to see how they've aged. On our tasting menu for the day was the 2022 CADE Estate Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 cade Cabernet, the 2017 CADE Howell Mountain Cabernet, the 2016 CADE Reserve Cabernet, and the 2021 13th Vineyard Cabernet. The wines were of course tasty, but I was shocked at the price point at which they were being offered for sale. Look, these are high quality wines, but CADE has become the worst offender in jacking up their prices to levels that far exceed that quality. I also didn't like that we had to ask for a price list (our menu "conveniently" omitted the prices). We ended up purchasing two bottles of the 13th Vineyard, because they will be nice collectors items. I wasn't a huge fan of the wine but my husband is, so we purchased the two pack (this wine is only sold by the 2 pack or higher), and it was really pricey ($948.31 after tax). Here's the worst kicker of all: after spending $948 on wine, we were prompted by the Point of Sale tablet to add a gratuity. I don't mind tipping a bit for a sit-down tasting, but I DO have a major problem with a system prompting me to tip UP TO 30% for wine that I bought. This would've translated to a $285 tip, and that is RIDICULOUS. I am not cheap, but the Plumpjack group is the ONLY family of wineries that has started doing this tip thing in the Napa Valley (at least out of the high end wineries we frequent). It's obnoxious, awkward, and adds an unnecessary level of stress to my tasting. The host always flips the pad around and displays disappointment that they weren't tipped $300! STOP DOING THIS, PLUMPJACK, and PAY YOUR EMPLOYEES SO VISITORS DO NOT HAVE TO! Plus, I'd much prefer Napa go back to the days of walking up to the bar and doing a tasting - but 13th Vineyard forces you to do a lengthy seated tasting and tour. I don't want a tour, I don't need to sit, I am not even interested in the fancy cheeses. Just let me taste the dang wine. I guess my experience was nice enough and it was fun to taste the library wines, but this is a one and done visit for me that's not worth the hassle nor expense."