One of the great spots to visit in Carneros, Cuvaison has been a pillar of consistency for decades now. Winemaker Steve Rogstad has defined this wine program, making world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that focuses on poise and texture. I used to enjoy these impressive early 2000s Chardonnays when I was in graduate school. It is hard to believe that this winery was first founded back in 1969. Then in 1979 they acquired 400 acres of highly prized land north of San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros district of Napa Valley which is a site that is highly influenced by fog and cooler temperatures from the bay.
The new Cuvaison are outstanding. Check out the 2023 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is dense, rich and nicely poised. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://www.cuvaison.com and here are the killer sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases by Cuvaison.
2024 Cuvaison ‘Methode Baton’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2024 Cuvaison ‘Methode Baton’ Sauvignon Blanc offers pink grapefruit and gooseberry notes on the nose with suggestions of gardenia. The palate is plush and neatly textured with great verve and richness. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2023 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay comes from older Wente Clone vines at the estate vineyard. Baked apple and shades of white peach combine with shades of salted Challah bread on the nose. The palate is dense and concentrated with serious poise and power. This is a delicious edition of this wine that is already nicely defined to enjoy now. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2023 Cuvaison ‘Debut Cru’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2022 Cuvaison ‘Debut Cru Pinot Noir comes from the Tai Vineyard and is made from Heirloom Pinot Noir selections. This is soft, round and generous on the mouth with juicy red raspberry and red currant fruits alongside fresh sage and orange rind. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2023 Cuvaison ‘Mariafeld’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Mariafeld’ also comes from the Tai Vineyard and is a Swiss-clone that is dark in color and firm in tannin. This delivers hedonistic dark fruits with wintergreen, wet rock and salty nuances on the palate. Impossible to resist right now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 94