The history of California winemaking is inexorably intertwined with the history of Buena Vista Vineyards. When you talk about California wine history, the name Agoston Haraszthy and Buena Vista vineyards must be included. It was the self styled Hungarian Count, Agoston Haraszthy, who is considered to be the father of California grape culture. In 1857 Haraszthy founded Buena Vista Vineyards, California's oldest premium winery, in the Carneros District of Sonoma County. He then proceeded to import and plant every conceivable European grape variety that could be found. It is speculated that he was personally responsible for introducing the Zinfandel grape to this country, but due to poor bookkeeping at the time, there is no definite proof.

            Almost at once, the winery began to produce above average wines. Within a few years, when the vines matured, the wines from Haraszthy's Buena Vistas Vineyards were judged the equal of the best from the old world. Typical of Haraszthy, after a few years of moderate success, he turned the vineyard over to others and disappeared into Central America, never to be seen again.

            The fortunes of Buena Vista rose and fell with the times, but, by hiring some very creative winemakers, the winery has continued, throughout the years, to produce a product that has always been in the forefront of the California wine industry. The current resident winemaker is Judy Matulich-Weitz, one of the most creative of the modern winemakers and a person who can always coax the best out of the grapes Buena Vista grows.

Buena Vista 1998 Carneros Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99) This wine is a full flavored delight that is further enhanced by a deep, dark ruby color coupled with the aromas of cedar and tobacco. The flavor is a feast of blackberries and cassis with hints of chocolate and mint in the background. A hallmark of all of the Buena Vista wines is their long and full flavored finish and this wine is no exception. In this case, the finish displays the flavors of mint and eucalyptus with hints of red fruits. Another plus for the Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon is its ability to age over a very long period of time. During this aging the wine softens and develops a soft, silky body and flavor.

Buena Vista's 1998 Carneros Estate Merlot ($17.99) At a time when merlot wines have become commonplace and often mediocre, the Buena Vista's 1998 Carneros Estate Merlot is a refreshing change from the ordinary. The wine is big, full bodied and showcases the aromas of anise, green berries, oak and tobacco. The flavor is a masterful blend of cherries, plums, cassis and a background of oak and vanilla. The finish, which lingers in the mouth for a very long time is also something special. This wine, like the cabernet sauvignon, serves as a perfect accompaniment for the heavier red meats or cheese wedges. For those of our readers who specifically enjoy a merlot wine we suggest this offering from Buena Vista as one of the best you can buy.

Buena Vista 1999 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir ($16.99). This wine is a good example of what the Carneros region and the fine hand of winemaker Judy Matulich-Weitz are capable of. It is a wine with a medium body and a bright, clear ruby color. The aroma is a mélange of strawberries and red raspberries, black cherries mingled with oak. In the flavor department, the true capabilities of the Pinot Noir grape is explored to its fullest. Black cherries dominate the flavor with hints of vanilla, soft oak and chocolate in the background. Take our word for it; this is one of the better pinot noir wines of the 1999 vintage.

Buena Vista's 1998 Carneros Chardonnay ($13.99) Here is a perfect example of a modern California chardonnay and an example of what can be accomplished with great grapes. The aroma stresses oak, tropical fruits and almonds. In the flavor department, it is alive with sweet apple; with pineapple, cocoanut and banana bringing up the rear. The finish remains true to the Buena Vista style and is long, complex and very interesting. This is an excellent chardonnay and truly deserves your attention.  

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