Winemaker: Jeff Stewart
Grapes: 100% Syrah
Region: Carneros, California
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Buena Vista Pinot Noir
Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Carneros is California’s oldest premium winery. 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’s beautiful property is one of the most significant in Carneros.
Daily winds and fogs coming from the bay cool the vines and prolong the growing season. Nearly 500 acres in the region of Carneros, Buena Vista Carneros’ Ramal Vineyard boasts a remarkable number and range of sites with more than 100 separate vineyard blocks based on topography, geology and microclimates.
Jeff Stewart, Buena Vista’s winemaker came from award winning winery La Crema, with over 15 years of achievement in cool–climate viticulture, gaining his experience in different wineries. His personal attention to detailed work in the vineyard and during the whole wine-making process allows the wine to express unique Carneros terroir.
Buena Vista Carneros Syrah was sourced from their estate vineyards and unlike some very fruity Australian Shirazes, this wine expresses the cool climate of foggy Carneros. The grapes were picked at night and double sorted in the winery. Each lot was cold soaked for 5 days to maximize color and flavor extraction, then fermented in small open-top tanks.
After an average of 17 days on the skins, the wine was pressed gently and aged for 14 months in new French oak. This careful procedure with attention to every detail let the wine maximize its beautiful ruby color and rich flavor.
Tasting notes:
Aroma of dark fruit and spices. On the palate this wine is rich in fruit expression but surprisingly dry, which makes it easily matchable with food. Hints of dark fruit, cocoa and spices with just the right amount of oak to create a complex and balanced wine. The flavors are getting more pronounced the longer the wine is open. Long, very satisfying finish.
Dry – Off dry – Medium sweet – Sweet
Light – Medium – Full body
No oak – Aged in oak
Retail price: under $ 20.00
Ideal food pairing:
Grilled meats and barbecue, venison, aged cheeses, steak
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