Winery
of the Week: Buena Vista - Sonoma County, Ca
Buena
Vista Winery,
founded in 1857 by Hungarian immigrant, Agoston Haraszthy, the
self-proclaimed "Count of Buena Vista" was California's
first premium winery. Today, Buena Vista Winery is returning
to its original glory with the complete restoration and re-opening
of the historic property. Plus, the wines are achieving new
heights under Winemaker Brian Maloney and Consulting Winemaker
David Ramey.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Buena
Vista 2014 Carneros Chardonnay
Winery:
Buena Vista
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of pears, peaches, tangerines, and vanilla rises
up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors of Asian
pear, ripe peach, and orange peelthat interweave with
elements of vanilla, minerals, and toasty oak. Pleasant
fruit and a slight creaminess make this a lovely aperitif.
Rating: 89 |
|
Buena
Vista 2013 "Private Reserve" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Buena Vista
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 60-65
Review:
Aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries mingle
with suggestions of clove, earth, and chocolate on the
nose. A sip reveals flavors of cherry, plum, and raspberry
that open up into undertones of minerals, dark chocolate,
and baking spice. Offering layered fruit along with polished
tannins, grilled salmon would make a lovely pairing.
Rating: 90 |
|
Buena
Vista 2014 "Viticultural Society" Zinfandel
Winery:
Buena Vista
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Fragrances of blackberries, cherries, spice, and earth
greet the senses. Blackberry, blueberry, and cherry flavors
emerge on the palate, accented by expressions of spice,
floral earth, and dark chocolate. Lively flavors and refined
tannins make this a great wine for pizza night.
Rating: 90 |
|
Buena
Vista 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Buena Vista
Grape(s): 86% Cabernet, 11% Malbec, 2%
Cabernet Franc & 1% Petite Verdot
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, boysenberries, and currants
interweave with nuances of floral earth, cocoa, and spice
on the nose. With a sip, flavors of currant, boysenberry,
and tart blueberry emerge on the palate alongside allusions
of dark chocolate, minerals, and all-spice. A Cab with
solid structure and rich dark fruit, a New York Steak
is an ideal match.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|