Reviews

Buena Vista has been continuing with its historic-looking wine labels (the winery was founded in 1857). It's a nifty blend of cabs from Fountaingrove, Sonoma Mountain, and Alexander Valley (all part of the North Coast appellation). After 11 months in 10% new French oak it was racked. The emphasis is on darkness, with plenty of black fruit (cassis, black cherry) and butterscotch tones with black pepper spices, softish finish. Still needs time, another year. Do a double decant or leave it open for a day to get a taste of its potential. 14.5% ABV. -Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures

The 2018 Merlot is a juicy, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next few years. Dark cherry, mocha, chocolate, spice and licorice are nicely woven together in this mid-weight, inviting Merlot from Raymond Vineyards.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Red Wine Reserve Selection is laced with the essence of red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice. Lifted aromatics give the Red Wine quite a bit of presence. Drink this silky, juicy mid-weight Napa Valley Red over the next handful of years.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection lifts out of the glass with tons of sheer intensity. Inky dark red cherry, mocha, cedar, spice and licorice are pushed front and center. This mid-weight, supple Cabernet has so much to offer. It’s a terrific introduction to the Raymond range.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville is another forward, racy wine in this range. Juicy dark cherry, cedar, spice and floral notes are nicely lifted in this attractive, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next handful of years.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is powerful and virile in the glass. It is also one of the most brooding wines in this range of small-lot Cabernets. Readers will have to be patient, but I imagine the Stags Leap Cabernet will always remain a brute. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, spice and scorched earth saturate this backward, tightly wound Cabernet.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is a very pretty wine that shows the more understated side of the appellation in its mid-weight feel. Dark plum fruit, chocolate, spice, licorice and new leather all meld together in this attractive, racy Cabernet from Raymond.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Red Wine 1 1/2 Acre emerges from a parcel of organically farmed vineyards at Raymond. Bold and juicy to the core, the 2018 offers terrific immediacy. Ripe red cherry, plum, leather, cedar and dried flowers build into the creamy finish.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is a juicy, open-knit wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Hints of spice, leather, cedar and tobacco add lovely aromatic nuance to a core of succulent dark fruit. This is an especially forward, luscious style that works beautifully.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District is a powerful, distinctive wine. Deeply aromatic and savory, the Diamond Mountain Cabernet has a ton of character. Dried herbs, iron, game, scorched earth and tobacco are some of the many aromas and flavors that emerge from this potent yet nuanced Cabernet.

-- Antonio Galloni