“Many things happen between the cup and the lip,” Robert Burton, 1577-1640, The Anatomy of Melancholy, pt. II, sec.2, member 3.
In 1972, John Buehler and his father bought 300 acres of land below Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley and began the arduous task of planting and nurturing Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel vines. Six years later, they hand-crushed 700 cases of wine, and the quality was so good that Buehler Vineyards kept growing. Chardonnay plantings were added on East Side Road in the Russian River area across the river from Rochioli and Allen Vineyards (Be still my heart!), and the rest is history. Buehler has gleaned terrific ratings from sundry sources, with a score of 91 points from the Wine Spectator for its 2009 Zinfandel and 90 points from the Wine Enthusiast for its 2009 Russian River Chardonnay. In my view, their White Zinfandel should also be a contender for lovely, unpretentious summer quaffing at a very fair price.
Even though Buehler has technically been in the family for 36 years, I enthusiastically applaud and enjoy this family success story as a 29-year-old winner.
I recently tasted my way through Buehler’s wines, joined this time by my son, Patrick, whose palate has been measurably improving. Here are my ratings of John’s wines, using my subjective scoring scale of “A”-“F.” Patrick, in deference to his Old Man, concurs:
1. 2010 White Zinfandel, California, $10. Light, lovely rose hue with medium body. The nose was flowery and light, with teasing suggestions of strawberry and apple. A slightly sweet middle danced around the palate and finished cleanly with a nice kiss of acidity. A-
2. 2009 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $14. Barely off-white with heavy body. The nose nicely displayed notes of citrus and pear (probably partially on account of its proximity to the cooler coastal growing area) with a background of butterscotch. In the mouth, it displayed deep, rich fruit with tremendous complexity. Long, rich finish. Great with salmon. A
3. 2009 Zinfandel, Napa Valley, $20. Rich ruby color with heavy body carried over to a nose that was redolent with deep notes of wild berries and tremendous depth. On the palate, it was distinctly jammy with pleasantly spicy notes and nice depth. Great with barbecued goodies. A-
4. 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Estate, $28-$30, depending upon the store. Dark, brick ruby color with heavy, brooding body. The nose displayed tight fruit overlaid with notes of chocolate with leathery depth, and it was great fun to follow it as it opened up. In the mouth, this wine was tremendously deep and complex, with more notes of chocolate evident. Long, elegant finish. Fabulous with beef or as a lubricant to great conversation with friends. A+
Today’s winner was Buehler’s Cabernet Sauvignon.
John’s White Zinfandel deserves the Price/Value crown for its unpretentious and totally enjoyable nature.
Buehler is available at both Sendik’s in Mequon and at Consumer Outlet Beverage Center in Hales Corners, and it’s well worth a search at other fine wine shops.
Great job, John. You continue to dazzle.
