Gold Medal
- 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Tasting
Reynoso Vineyards was a label that we weren’t familiar with before trying the wine, but we were intrigued by the beautiful label and the fact that the Cabernet Estate grown in the Alexander Valley, probably Sonoma’s best Cabernet area. It turns out that Reynoso is a true family project, with husband and wife team Joe and Elana Reynoso handling the vineyard management and winemaking along with their trusted vineyard crew. But we probably wouldn’t have found all that out except for the fact that we were blown away upon tasting the wine, and had to find out more about it.
The 2009 Reynoso Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet in color with a hint of ruby. The nose shows classic Cabernet aromas of tobacco leaf, mint, and black cherry, and the palate is loaded with black berry, cherry and exotic spice that go on and on in layers on the finish. Beautifully balanced with an incredible combination of richness and elegance, this would be a beautiful Cabernet for $50+. At this price, this is one to stock up on and enjoy now and over the next 5-10 years.
VARIETAL: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
VINEYARDS: Estate - Hillside Fruit
APPELLATION: Alexander Valley
ALCOHOL: 14.0% by volume
PRODUCTION: 24 Barrels
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
