
92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck | The 2016 Vintage Reserve benefitted from a glorious growing season, resulting in another stellar example of the best of Rhinefarm. More info »
The first bottle and label in the newest Vintage Reserve series, where we highlight the art in the bottle with the art on the label.
"The 2015 Vintage Reserve checks in as a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot, all aged 20 months in 65% new French oak. Deep ruby/purple-colored with a stunning nose of currants, Asian spices, tobacco, and graphite, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, deep, layered, yet seamless profile....it doesn't lack for tannin or structure, yet it's beautifully balanced and has an awesome finish. This is an incredibly classic, old-school Cabernet Sauvignon that's going to hit maturity around age 6-8 and cruise for two decades or more." - Jeb Dunnuck
Since 1981, the Bundschu family has crafted a limited bottling of the vintage's most elegant and expressive vines with the designation Vintage Reserve. Winemaker Keith Emerson selects individual barrels to blend a wine that showcases the distinctive character of Cabernet-family grapes grown on the southwest slopes of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Our 161+ year old estate vineyard lies eight miles north of San Pablo Bay on steep, shallow soils of volcanic ash and tufa, exposed to pervasive maritime breezes, long daylight hours and extreme diurnal temperature shifts. Top blocks are farmed specifically for Vintage Reserve that yield 2.5 tons/acre. Lots sourced from other high elevation sites in Sonoma Valley add weight to the midpalate and a juicy component to the well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon from our cooler climate estate vineyard.
Six lots hand- and optically-sorted and gravity fed to fermentation vessels.
Five day cold soak; D254 and indigenous yeast strains
26-28 days maceration
Extraction through gentle pump-overs
Retail $150
92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck | The 2016 Vintage Reserve benefitted from a glorious growing season, resulting in another stellar example of the best of Rhinefarm. More info »
Rated 95pts Wine Enthusiast & 93pts Wine Spectator. Artist Chris McNally honors the refurbished 1953 International Panel Truck, now property centerpiece, referred to as "Boss Lady". More info »