I have been buying Buena Vista wines since 2010 and they are some of the better values out of Napa/Sonoma and are consistently good. Their Chardonnay’s are some of the better values in all of Napa/Sonoma and rival Ramey, Hobbs, Pahlmeyer, Far Niente, Montelena and more. Also this was my first time trying their Pinot Noir which was an unexpected surprise in a good way. Here are my reviews of 3 of their wines which are under the Buena Vista “Buena Vista” labeling.
- 2019 Buena Vista Chardonnay Chateau Buena Vista – USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros (11/24/2022)
Day 1: I love the Buena Vista Chardonnays and think this is their best wine and this is no exception. Matchstick, lemon, apple, mild oak, pear, Carmel and mild spices. Complex effort and long finish. Excellent wine. 93 points
Day 2: As good as many of the $50 Napa/Sonoma Chardonnays and half the price. K & L has this for $24.95. Tropical fruit, matchstick, lemon, sour apple, pear, Carmel, mild oak and spice. Complex wine and medium plus finish. Nice acidity. 93 points
Day 3: Still holding form and this wine is balanced. Outstanding effort and one of the better QPR Chardonnay’s from Napa/Sonoma. 93 points
Recommendation: Try a bottle if you like a Chardonnay without massive oak influence. (93 points) - AVAILABLE: Haskell’s (Mtka), Kowalski’s (Uptown), Dolce Vita, Byerly’s/Lunds
- 2018 Buena Vista Pinot Noir Chateau Buena Vista – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (11/23/2022)
Day 1: Cranberry, spice, rose petals, iron, damp earth and mild spices. Nice acidity and refreshing wine. My first Buena Vista Pinot and very nice. A very elegant effort. 91 points
Day 2: Really improved over a day. Sour strawberry, violets, minerals, iron, mushrooms, earth and chalk. This is a complex effort that will benefit with some aging. Always liked Buena Vista wines especially the Chardonnay’s and now the Pinot’s. 92+ points
Day 3: Still vibrant and alive. Nice acidity along with sour strawberry, cranberry, iron, violets, mushrooms, dust and spice. A really well made Pinot and not the hot, over the top of some of the Pinots from California in this price point. 92 points
Recommendation: Try a bottle and see if you like this more elegant style. (92 points) - AVAILABLE: Haskell’s (Woodbury), Merwin Liquors. They also pour this wine BTG at both of the Porterhouse restaurants.
- 2019 Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau Buena Vista – USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford (11/24/2022)
Day 1: This is a much better experience than in the fall at a large industry event. These wines need to be decanted and tasted over 3 days. Nice fruit featuring blackberries, blueberries and dark cherry. Dust, spice, mild oak, minerals and earth. Complex wine overall and should improve over 3 days. Solid effort. 91 points
Day 2: This is better than day 1 and offers less intensity featuring blueberries, dark cherries, black walnuts, dust, spice, mild oak and earth. Nice medium finish. Solid. 92 points
Day 3: Spice, blueberries, mild oak, dust, plum, earth, tobacco and minerals. Good acidity. Nice wine overall. 91 points
Recommendation: Not bad for a Napa Cabernet under $40. (92 points) - AVAILABLE: Richfield (all stores), Thomas, Scott’s, Lake Wine & Cheese, Hennepin/Lake and Burnsville Costco for $34.99.
