91 Points - Stephen Tanzer
90 Points - RP
Buoncristiani Wines was founded in 1999 by the four Buoncristiani brothers, who grew up making garage wine with their father and each have experience working for top Napa producers like Rudd, Hess, Phillippe Melka and others. They decided to create their own label where they could focus on making wine the way they wanted to, and have had remarkable success, being named a rising star in Napa Cabernet by Wine Spectator, and scoring as high as 97 points. The 2005 vintage of the wine we are featuring today ranked the #25 wine of the year in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100, and the 2007 we are featuring today has already scored a 90 from Parker and a 91 from Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. So clearly the critics have spoken, but as you know, we like to judge the wines for ourselves, and we were quite impressed with its juicy, delicious fruit flavors, and wonderful mouthfeel. This is definitely one for the hedonists!
The 2007 Buoncristiani OPC Red Blend, named in honor of the Buoncristiani brother's father, is a blend of 40% Cabernet, 33% Syrah, 17% Merlot and 10% Malbec, all from prestigious Napa vineyards. The result of this blend is an intensely dark, purple wine loaded with black fruit, plum and vanilla aromas. The palate is rich and firm, with spicy, toasty flavors of blackberry, cassis, and cherry. Lush and pleasing on the palate, this has just enough acidity to keep it tight while allowing the buoyant Napa fruit to shine. Definitely a wine that will provide plenty of drinking pleasure right away, and also has the tannin to develop for a few years in the cellar. Don't miss this rare value from Napa Valley!
Appellation: Napa Valley
Blend: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, 17% Merlot, 10% Malbec
Harvest Dates: September 17th through October 29th, 2007
Aging: Twenty-one months in 100% French oak barrels, 54% new oak
Total Cases: 2025
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
PDF