Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

 The historic Buena Vista Winery, in the town of Sonoma, has made a dramatic comeback thanks to the new owner, Boisset Family Estates.  Jean-Charles Boisset’s goal is to continue the legacy of Buena Vista first created by Count Agoston Haraszthy 150 years ago.  The first releases under a historic label and in heavy deeply-punted bottles include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and a blend called The Count, all from Sonoma County grapes.  The 2010 Cabernet is blended with Merlot and Syrah, aged for 10 months in used French oak barrels; a blend of grapes and oak not likely to have been used in Haraszthy’s day.  It shows a very deep ruby color, forward blackberry aromatics with earthy notes.  The flavors are big and concentrated with dense fruit and spicy notes, 13.5% alcohol and good length.  This Cabernet elicits memories of the Buena Vista Cabernets from the late 1970s and early 1980s.