Having left Hungary for the New World, the self-proclaimed ‘Count of Buena Vista’ Agoston Haraszthy founded Buena Vista in 1857 to pioneer the production of high quality wines in California. Here he introduced ground-breaking viticultural practices such as dry-farming and hillside planting as well as constructing California’s first gravity fed winery. On his death in 1878 the estate was sold off and wine production went through a hiatus until the property was purchased by the Bartholomew family in 1943. Working with the famous winemaker and viticultural pioneer André Tchelistcheff, the winery once again became a force in California during the state’s post-prohibition resurgence. Following several changes in ownership, the historic winery was purchased in 2011 by the Boisset family from Burgundy. Under Jean-Charles Boisset the winery has undergone extensive renovation and the Count’s original vision is being pursued with renewed vigour.
The North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from vineyards in the Fountaingrove District, Sonoma Mountain, and Alexander Valley. Following harvest, the grapes are sorted and pressed and after fermentation is complete, the wine is aged in a mixture of French and American oak barrels for ten months. Medium weight, with flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and cherry, and a hint of black pepper spice which is well framed by plush, velvety tannins.