Press Room

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: 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: 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 | June 30, 2021 | Wine Spectator

Ripe and slightly languid in style, with gently mulled red and black currant fruit, mixed with fruitcake and a hint of sassafras. Firms up a touch on the finish to keep it honest. Drink now through 2023. -JM

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: 89 | April 1, 2021 | Wine Enthusiast

Graphite, rock and iron elements contribute an underlying earthiness to this intensely concentrated wine - a good representation of the appellation's warmth and richness. -Virginie Boone

Score: 89 | April 1, 2021 | Wine Enthusiast

Reduced and undeniably earthy, this appellation wine tastes of cedar, pencil shaving and coffee. It is savory and tannic up front. Powerfully built, it ends in a strong jolt of oak. -Virginie Boone

Score: 89 | April 1, 2021 | Wine Enthusiast

This is a tannic, thick and deeply concentrated wine, robust in dried herb, jammy black cherry and cocoa powder. It packs a memorable punch, the savory earthiness providing contrast with subdued complexity. -Virginie Boone

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