B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
"Great value is an understatement here for a wine with this aging potential." - Wine Enthusiast
In case you thought Sonoma was all about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, think again. There are many noteworthy estates making killer wines from the classic Bordeaux varietals, and many of those are doing it at prices that defy belief. One of the best under-the-radar sources for value is Gundlach-Bundschuh. A Sonoma original, the estate has been around for six generations and more than 160 years. Located at the very southern end of Sonoma Valley, the property is literally a crossroads where Sonoma, Napa, and Carneros meet. In other words, it's an ideal place to grow a wide variety of grapes.
The 2023 Mountain Cuvée is their sterling entry-level blend, made from all five Bordeaux varietals and based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon. The majority of fruit comes from their own Rhinefarm estate vineyard, which is then blended with fruit from a select few neighboring vineyards in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. It's a fabulous expression for under $15 that checks every box. "Full bodied and very satisfying" according to James Suckling, the 2023 is a perfect go-to candidate for your everyday rotation or for when you need to please a crowd without breaking the bank. |