WTN: Ceritas, The Sisters, BV Reserve

It’s always enjoyable to take a brief foray outside one’s usual sphere of wines, and this past Sunday, I did just that with Ray Ormand and his wife, Fran.

Ray was planning to open a couple of Cabernet Sauvignons, and so I offered to bring a white starter. I chose a 2007 Ceritas Chardonnay Bass-Porter Vineyard, a wine that was both subtle and vibrant. It was a blend of minerals and citrus, a hint of smoke, a whisper of creaminess. A wine that simply delivers pure pleasure.

Ray seemed concerned that the first Cab he was pouring might be disappointing, and it was anything but. 1991 Buena Vista Grand Reserve Carneros was right in my wheelhouse. Dark sweet fruit, offset by earthy notes, and just a touch of bell pepper. Very fresh tasting, supple and plump, and a delightfully long finish.

Next up, was a 2008 Jones Family The Sisters. I’ve been anxious to try this wine after reading so many positive notes. It was as anticipated. Elegant with concentrated dark fruit and cedar. It had fresh acidity, a long finish, and just gorgeous. I can see why it has its fans.

I can't remember the last time I had a Buena Vista wine. Use to be I saw them in almost wine shop. Now I don't think I have seen one in a decade if not longer. I loved the 1991's in general and am still holding an Étude or two. Glad yours was good.

I opened expecting Beaulieu Vineyards!
Thanks for notes Diane, the Ceritas sounds really nice.

Dale - is that because we don't think about Buena Vista or is Beaulieu just thought of as the better producer? I'm not really up on either producer. I just enjoyed this particular bottle, and I have enjoyed the few 1991 Napa Cabs I've had.

Diane,
Beaulieu is better known (one of the oldest, and probably one could argue the most important historically- George de Latour helped keep phyloxera (sp?) from destroying Napa, and Andre Tchelistcheff was most influential winemaker for decades). But it's more because Beaulieu has BV prominently displayed on label, and is commonly referred to as BV. See:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=35344
I haven't seen a Buena Vista in a while, but don't think they use the BV.
I wasn't complaining, just noting my assumptions.

Diane,
Beaulieu is better known (one of the oldest, and probably one could argue the most important historically- George de Latour helped keep phyloxera (sp?) from destroying Napa, and Andre Tchelistcheff was most influential winemaker for decades). But it's more because Beaulieu has BV prominently displayed on label, and is commonly referred to as BV. See:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=35344
I haven't seen a Buena Vista in a while, but don't think they use the BV.
I wasn't complaining, just noting my assumptions.

From a historical perspective, not sure if Beaulieu is more significant than Buena Vista. It's been close to twenty years since my wine appreciation class but I remember than Buena Vista figured very prominently in early California wine development. Obviously the more recent history would favor Beaulieu.

Regardless, I agree that BV is generally used for Beulieu and not Buena Vista.