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2016 Buena Vista The Countproduct-timed-pdf - Sonoma, CA - Buena Vista's Famed Eponymous Wine

Why We're Drinking It

This is the newest vintage of a wine that gets a lot of love. This cool blend of primarily Zin, with Carignane, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Malbec and Petite Sirah (what a mouthfull!) more than lives up to its namesake—the great Count Agoston Haraszthy, otherwise known as the Founding Father of Wine.

Jean-Charles Boisset is one of our closest friends, and we thought it was pretty amazing that today he’s doing what this wine’s namesake--the Count of Buena Vista--was doing about a hundred and fifty years ago: pioneering premium , in California, by beautifying European viticultural heritage with modern techniques.

Among other firsts, Haraszthy is credited with importing hundreds of Europe’s best vines and planting them across Sonoma. This is blend of 66% Zin, 8% Carignane, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Tempranillo, 6% Cinsault, 4% Malbec, 4% Petite Sirah, from a number of Sonoma County’s most heralded vineyards. Individual lots were fermented separately and aged for 14 months in American, Hungarian, and French oak (10% new) before the final blend was chosen--no simple task considering the complexity of varietals. Reminiscent of the rich and full bodied “mixed blacks” blends that defined California’s early winemaking history, The Count also hits a decidedly modern note in 2016 with its ripe fruit character and silky finish.

· Established in 1857, Buena Vista holds the distinction of being California’s first premium winery.

· The winery’s eccentric founder, Count Agoston Haraszthy, recognized the potential of Sonoma County’s bucolic hillsides and saw the need for wine to quench the growing thirsts of the thousands of folks arriving daily in search of fortune during the gold rush days of 1949.

· Jean-Charles Boisset purchased this venerable estate in 2011, and quickly went about renovating the cellar from top to bottom.

Tasting Notes

VARIETAL From the winery: Red Blend APPELLATION Sonoma County, California The Count seduces the palate with enticing red fruit aromas accented by ALCOHOL hints of mocha and exotic spices. 14.00 SIZE 750ml Dark fruit flavors envelop the palate and are heightened by cinnamon and BLEND vanilla. This is a well-balanced wine with great structure and good acidity – Zin, with Carignane, Cabernet Franc, making it the perfect companion with a variety of dishes. Tempranillo, Cinsault, Malbec and Petite Sirah

The Story to Know

From the winery:

Before there were vineyards in every valley north of San Francisco, before Napa and Sonoma were household names, before there was a industry at all, there was Buena Vista. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Carneros is California’s oldest premium winery, and its history is as colorful as it is proud. Just outside the town of Sonoma, the original winery is now a California Historic Landmark, and home to the Tasting Room & Visitor’s Center.

One of California's firsts is now one of California's finest wineries. Set along the south-facing hillside overlooking San Pablo Bay, Buena Vista Carneros's breathtaking property is one of the most significant in Carneros. Straddling the southern-most tips of Sonoma and Napa Counties, wind and fog sweep in daily from the bay to cool the vines and extend the growing season. Nearly 500 acres in this most spectacularly situated region of Carneros, Buena Vista Carneros' Ramal Vineyard boasts a remarkable number and range of sites with more than 100 seperate vineyard blocks based on topography, geology and microclimates.

Perfect Pairings

We suggest trying it alongside pasta al pomodoro.

Ratings

93 Insider points

Reviews

The Boisset Collection brings us yet another stunning example from their extensive portfolio.

Raspberry, pomegranate and cherry vanilla on the nose. A medium bodied palate shows black cherry, red currant, cranberry, raw dark chocolate and fig jam. The finish is long and layered, evolving through juicy, jammy flavors into a more creamy quality.