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.
Buena Vista 2014 Carneros Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Sonoma County, California
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
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
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, California
Price: 60-65
Tasting Notes:
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
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County, California
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
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
Grape(s): 86% Cabernet, 11% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc & 1% Petite Verdot
Region: Sonoma County, California
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
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
Chateau Buena Vista 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa, California
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Notes of black cherries, cassis, and blackberries combine with allusions of baking spice and anise on the nose. With a sip, flavors of cherry, blackberry, and currant wrap around highlights of minerals, anise, and spice. A wine possessing balanced tannins and welcoming dark fruit, it’s ideal to enjoy with lamb.
Rating: 91