Press Room

Buena Vista Winery Reviews

Score: 89 | October 1, 2021 | Wine Enthusiast

Made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petit Verdot and 11% Cabernet Franc, this blend comes in a heavy bottle with a giant gold alligator on it. Rich red fruit is sinewy and leathery in texture, with a ripe plushness that leans hot. Virginie Boone

Score: 88 | July 1, 2021 | Wine Enthusiast

An oak-laden nose leads to an earthy and concentrated core of tropical pineapple, mango and pear flavors, the richness underscored by a lingering taste of vanilla. Virginie Boone

Score: 89 | July 1, 2021 | Wine Enthusiast

Thick and richly robust in baked red fruit and cola, this hearty, full-bodied wine shows generous tannin and oak around a core of ripeness and fruit. Virginie Boone

Score: 89 | June 3, 2021 | Wine Advocate

This is the first vintage of this new label by Buena Vista, commemorating the year it was founded. The 2018 Red Wine 1857 is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Morris vineyard on Diamond Mountain, the Petit Verdot was harvested from the Larkmead vineyard in Calistoga, and the Cabernet Franc is from the Casa Nuestra vineyard in St. Helena. It was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. Very deep purple-black colored, it slowly unfurls to reveal fantastically fragrant notes of candied violets, star anise, clove oil and chocolate mints, over a core of crème de cassis, Black Forest cake and blueberry pie with hints of pencil shavings and fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with rich, seductive black and blue fruit layers, framed by oh-so-plush tannins and a seamless line of freshness, finishing very long and perfumed. Only 50 cases were made.

Score: 89 | June 1, 2021 | Wine & Spirits

Scents of brandied cherries lend this wine its warm power, in the mode of Port without the sweetness. The firm tannins have a pleasant greenness, like raspberry leaves, keeping the finish clean. Serve with roast game. -J.G.

Score: 87 | April 1, 2016 | Wine Enthusiast

This is a thick, rich and very ripe wine, with a charred back note making its way against higher-toned tastes of red raspberry and blackberry. The oak is integrated and the wine softly varietal, but it packs a punch on the palate. —V.B

Score: 88 | January 21, 2016 | Wine Align
Score: 87 | July 31, 2014 | Wine Spectator
The intense vanilla oak-tinged citrus and green apple flavors make this a pleasing effort, gaining spice and nuance on the finish.
Score: 88 | July 1, 2014 | Wine Enthusiast
Although the wine is labeled a Vineyard Designate, it’s a blend of multimple vineyards. Dry, fairly full-bodied and tannic, it has complex cherry, currant, licorice and sandalwood flavors.
Score: 87 | June 30, 2014 | Wine Spectator
A nice red quaff, ripe and juicy, with easygoing cherry, cola, and spicy caramel flavors.
Score: Silver | June 16, 2014 | California State Fair
Score: Silver | June 16, 2014 | California State Fair
Score: Silver | February 6, 2014 | American Fine Wine Competition
Score: 89 | December 1, 2013 | The Wine Advocate
A limited cuvee of 300 cases, the 2011 Chardonnay Private Reserve possesses more length, richness, subtlety and complexity. Delicate honeyed, buttered popcorn, citrus oil and orange blossom notes are present in this medium-bodied, refreshing yet steely Chardonnay. With good minerality, ripeness and balance, it can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years.
Score: 89 | September 30, 2013 | Wine Spectator
Elegant and balanced, with toasted red currant aromas and lively cherry, tomato leaf and spice flavors that finish soft, showing ripe tannins. Drink now through 2017. 1,981 cases made. —T.F.
Score: 4+ Stars | June 1, 2013 | Restaurant Wine
Screw cap. Great value: full bodied and zesty in style, this is a fresh, crisp Sauvignon with good balance and a long finish, tasting of lime, lemon grass, grapefruit, and green apple
Score: Silver | May 24, 2013 | 2013 Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Score: 88 | September 1, 2012 | Wine Spectator
Youthful and yeasty, offering floral apple and lemon aromas, with crisp yet creamy flavors of ginger, vanilla and spice. Drink now. 200 cases made. –TF
Score: Silver | July 1, 2012 | Sunset International Wine Competition 2012
Score: 89 | December 31, 1969 | Wine Spectator

Raspberry and cherry coulis notes race along, with a red licorice thread, ending with sweet spice accents and a hint of cedar on the friendly finish. Drink now through 2024. 9,250 cases made. — JM