winemaker's notes:
As they celebrate their 150th year as California's first premium winery, the focus of Buena Vista Carneros continues to be their remarkable 1000-acre Estate vineyard in the heart of Carneros. Set along a south-facing hillside overlooking the San Pablo Bay, this breathtaking property has more than 167 blocks delineated by geology and topography. Produced in limited quantities, each EVS wine reflects the complex interplay between grape, terroir and the seasonal weather patterns of vintage.
The 2005 growing season started with a wet spring followed by a cool summer, leading to a long, dry, and cooler than normal fall. Conditions on the estate where Buena Vista grows theirr Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were ideal for producing a healthy balanced crop. Harvest was long, requiring a lot of patience, as they waited for their fruit to ripen to optimal maturity. The quality of the Pinot Noir was very good to outstanding.
The pedigree of the site and quality of the vintage are clearly in evidence here. The color is deep purple with aromas of blueberry, violet, chocolate, clove and anise, subtle earth and forest floor. The flavors of rich raspberry, crème de cassis, plum and candied ginger lead into a long finish with bright acidity and silky tannins. The 2005 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir shows concentration, elegance and the subtle nuance of diverse clonal and site selection. Pair this rich Pinot Noir with beef tenderloin and sautéed spinach.