95
points
Buoncristiani 2005 O.P.C. Proprietary Red Wine (Napa Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
-
$40
Just gorgeous. Floods the mouth with decadent black currant, cherry, chocolate, anise, beef jerky and smoky oak flavors that stun for their addictive deliciousness. Yet it’s perfectly dry, and the balance of rich, ripe tannins, acidity and smoky oak is near perfect. The wine is a blend of Bordeaux varieties and Syrah, from esteemed vineyards including Hyde…
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
94
points
Buoncristiani 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
-
$90
Last year, Buoncristiani released their 2004 Claret, and it got 92 points. This wine, which costs more than twice as much, is better. It’s very rich, with softly elegant acids and tannins that frame extraordinarily rich currant, plum, chocolate, anise and black pepper flavors. Hard to tell if it’s an ager, but it’s totally delicious now and will be for at least…
— S.H.
(11/1/2008)
91
points
Buoncristiani 2005 Artistico Syrah (Napa Valley)
-
$60
Tannins weigh this Syrah down, making it toughly astringent, a wine that makes your mouth pucker. Through all that, you can taste the massive flavors of black currants, red licorice, violets, cloves and peppery grilled veal that are pure, dry and profound. Is it an ager? The pedigree suggests yes. The wine is a blend of the Caldwell, Stagecoach and Hyde-Oak Knoll…
— S.H.
(11/1/2008)