Established in 1969, Cuvaison is a Napa Valley estate vineyard and winery that produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown exclusively on its certified sustainable vineyard in Carneros, Napa Valley. Dedicated to a philosophy of producing vineyard-driven wines, Cuvaison employs block by block farming methods and a hand-crafted vineyard-to-bottle winemaking approach. Created from blocks that have been vinified separately by Winemaker Steve Rogstad, Cuvaison wines are consistently balanced and approachable, favoring nuance and complexity over sheer power and ripeness. Cuvaison has been shaped profoundly by its current owners, the Schmidheiny family of Switzerland who purchased the winery in 1979. When Thomas Schmidheiny's mother visited the Carneros region in the late 1970's, she was so taken with the landscape and its potential for winegrowing that she brought a soil sample home to show her family. A year later, Thomas purchased the Carneros estate where Cuvaison now makes its home. In the years since, the family has thoughtfully re-invested all profits in the vineyard and winery, consistently providing the support needed to produce the highest quality grapes and wines. Cuvaison is locally-managed by a seasoned team that includes Dan Zepponi, named CEO in 2016, and Steve Rogstad, who was appointed Winemaker in 2002.
James Suckling 92 The appealing red-cherry and lemon-peel aromas and only a whisker of toasty oak on the nose, pull you into this very attractive
11dCalifornia » Carneros
Wine Spectator 90 Crisp acidity backs the freshly cut green apple and Asian pear flavors, which feature a lithe texture. Minerally accents emerge midpalate, with a
James Suckling 91 “Apples, pears, daffodils and lemon rind. Medium to full body, focused acidity and a bright, fruity finish.” ~J.S. “A year of warmth and opulence,
The SOMM Journal 95 Wine Enthusiast 91 "This estate-grown wine shows a balance of fleshy peach and mango settled on a light-bodied frame. There's a backbone of
"2013 was a dry and moderate season in Carneros, leading to an early vintage of quite concentrated wines. Somewhat broader and fuller bodied than the
Wine Enthusiast 88 "This longtime Carneros producer sources from dozens of its own blocks to put together this estate Chardonnay. Intense in floral aromas as well
"Our 2011 Chardonnay explores the mineral driven side of Chardonnay with taut green apple, white peach, lime zest and kiwi fruit. Hints of ginger and
Wine Enthusiast 90 "Solely from Mount Veeder, this Cabernet Sauvignon has small percentages of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The trio combine to offer currant
Wine Enthusiast 91 "The winery strikes a happy balance between richness and elegant austerity with this bone-dry offering. It’s minerally and reserved, offering intriguing hints of
"This Classic Carneros Chardonnay boasts both richness and minerality. Melon, apricot, peach and a touch of tropical fruit. This dense and creamy chardonnay
Wine & Spirits Magazine 90 "Lush scents of kirsch emerge from the initial dark and juicy flavors. This is sleek and soft, its tannins layering mineral
" The Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon is dark garnet in color. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, mocha, nutmeg and a bit of coffee bean. On the
Wine Spectator 86 "Firm, intense and vibrant, with spicy cherry, mineral, graphite and earth notes that are sleek, trim and medium-weight, ending with herb-laced tannins. Drink
"Cuvaison's 2005 Carneros Chardonnay is a richly scented wine with spice and floral elements backed by lush tropical and stone fruit notes on the palate.
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