Dec 30, 2022
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Cuvaison Winery
| Owner(s) | Schmidheiny Family |
| Web site | www.cuvaison.com |
| Link to this site |
Cuvaison’s historic winery is situated on the historic Silverado Trail in northern Napa Valley. In 1969 Thomas Cotrell and Thomas Parkhill, both Silicon Valley engineers, founded Cuvaison with a 27-acre vineyard at the winery’s Calistoga location. New York publisher Oakleigh Thorne purchased the winery in 1974 and then appointed the Swiss-born Philip Togni as Winemaker. In 1979, the Schmidheiny family of Switzerland purchased Cuvaison as well as 400 acres of prime vineyard land in the Carneros region in southern Napa Valley. The Fall of 1998 marked the purchase of the historic 170-acre Brandlin vineyard on Mt. Veeder. Today Cuvaison has the historic winery in Carneros as well as a new facility in the heart of the Carneros estate.
Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon in the past, Cuvaison is now equally adept at Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Cuvaison has been producing Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards in Carneros since 1987. With a renewed commitment to quality and a new winery in the vineyard specifically constructed for the production of Pinot Noir, the wines have gone from good to great. Cuvaison farms 315 acres of the 400-acre Carneros estate, mainly to Pinot Noir (55 acres) and Chardonnay. Winemaker Steve Rogstad crafts 4,500 cases of Pinot Noir annually, divided into three estate grown bottlings - Carneros, Mariafeld, and Block F5.
Total annual production is 48,000 cases with 100% of wines estate grown. There are tasting rooms in Calistoga (North Napa Valley) and Carneros (South Napa Valley), both open daily.
Cuvaison has tasting rooms in Calistoga and Carneros. The Carneros tasting room is new and airy with large windows offering views of Milliken Peak. Much of the wine is widely distributed and is sold on the website.
Articles About Cuvaison Winery
IPNC: Continuing Ed in Pinot Noirvana (6.35 8/6/2007)
More Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.46 6/17/2019)
On the Pinot Trail at De La Montanya & Cuvaison (9.29 9/5/2013)
Pinot Briefs (11.25 6/26/2018)
Prince’s Excellent Adventure at WOPN (6.56 3/23/2008)
Recently Tasted California Chardonnay (11.41 3/22/2019)
Recently Tasted California Wines (11.42 4/14/2019)
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Other Wines (11.17 1/20/2018)
Sips of California Pinot Noir (9.26 6/23/2013)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Cuvaison Napa Valley Los Carneros Pinot Noir Rosé
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.66, $30.
Estate grown, certified sustainable. Grapes grown specifically for Rosé and harvested earlier at
lower Brix. Fermented in stainless steel, aged 5 months on the lees in stainless steel. No MLF.
·
Light pinkish orange color in the glass. Aromas of macerated strawberries, white peach, blood
orange and vanilla. Elegant and charming, with a silky texture and fresh flavors of red raspberry,
strawberry and apricot. Completely dry, with some finish. A wine of relaxation and cheer.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 19, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Cuvaison Napa Valley Los Carneros Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, T 0.60, $25.
Grapes were picked from the Los Carneros estate the same day that the Nuns fire began and
spared any damage. 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25%
new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. This wine needs time to unfold. It lacks
appeal upon opening but blossoms over time showing delicate aromas of lemon and pineapple..
Modest richness and creaminess, featuring a core of citrus fruits with a bit of pastry creme. Crisp
and clean, in an easy drinking style.
Score: 89.
Reviewed March 23, 2019
ARTICLE »
2017 Cuvaison Napa Valley Los Carneros Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.54, $42. Aged 11 months in
French oak barrels, 33% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Dark berry and plum aromas lead to a mid
weighted wine with a core of earthy dark berry fruits accented with hints of mushroom and spice. Round and
polished in the mouth, with restrained tannins, a complimentary hint of oak and some finishing boldness. A
well-crafted, solid wine.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Cuvaison Single Block Series Adda Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.50, TA
0.58, $50. A barrel selection of lowest yield Old Wente vines averaging 15 years of age. Aged 18 months in
French oak barrels 50% new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of lemon peel, peach skin
and nutty oak. Richly endowed with well-ripened citrus, yellow peach and tropical fruit flavors blessed with a
deft touch of oak. Rich and creamy in the mouth, with engaging finishing power. This wine reflects plenty of
California sunshine in a style more driven by fruit than acidity.
Score: 93.
Reviewed January 20, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Cuvaison Single Block Series Spire Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.51, $52. Clone 115, 18-year-old
from a low-yieldings high elevation site on the estate vineyard. This site
stands out for its depth and concentration according to the winemaker.
Yields in 2015 were down about 40%. Aged 16 months in French oak
barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant
aromas of dark cherry and a compliment of oak. More expressive on
the palate, offering a mid weight plus charge of black cherry and black
raspberry fruit flavors underlain with earthiness and notes of dark
chocolate and cola, Satiny in texture, with inviting harmony, finishing
with some generosity. Can be enjoyed now but will benefit from another
year in the cellar.
Score: 92.
Reviewed January 20, 2018
ARTICLE »
2012 Cuvaison Carneros Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $19. The generous yields of 2012 allowed
production of this saignée fermented in a stainless steel tank.
·
Moderate pink coral color and clear in the glass.
Aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries and melon in a crisp, clean and refreshing style of rosé. An ideal
aperitif or accompaniment to summer barbecue fare.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Cuvaison Estate Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $38. 100% estate
grown blend from twenty distinct blocks in the Cuvaison Estate Vineyard.
Average age of vines is 14 years. Each block is vinified separately using open
top fermenters, basket pressed and aged 11 months in 33% new French oak
barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red cherries
and berries with hints of smoky oak and spice. Very smooth and polished on the
palate with an array of flavors including raspberry and plum with accents of
anise, grilled mushroom and oak. Bright acidity and a hi-tone finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Cuvaison Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.80, TA
0.56, $38. Cuvaison’s flagship Pinot Noir is a blend of wines from 20 distinct
blocks in the Cuvaison Estate Vineyard. Average age of vines is 14 years. Each
block is vinified separately using open top fermentation, gentle punch downs,
basket pressing and French oak aging (11 months in 33% new oak barrels).
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Impressive aromatic intensity offering
scents of dark red cherries and berries, sandalwood, balsam and baking spices.
Velvety smooth and polished on the palate with a delectable array of vivid fruit
flavors including raspberry and plum with accents of anise, mushroom and earth
and the right touch of oak. Highly typical of its Carneros origins and an
impressive achievement in this challenging vintage. Very good.
Reviewed June 23, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Cuvaison Spire Carneros Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 550 cases, $48. Sourced from a block close to the
tasting room planted to clone 115.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromatics offer welcoming
scents of black raspberry jam, spice and rose petals. Soft and silky on the palate, with a delicious mélange of
wild berry and black cherry flavors with beautifully integrated oak. This wine is clearly special, offering
impeccable balance and a finish that really sings.
Score: 92.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2007 Cuvaison Clone 115 Carneros Pinot Noir
(barrel sample)
·
Inky, candied oak on the
nose, plenty of grip, flashes of alcohol, lots of fruit and an expanding finish. Promising, but not
ready for prime time.
Reviewed March 23, 2008
ARTICLE »
2007 Cuvaison Estate Carneros Pinot Noir
5,557 cases, $30. Cuvaison
produces Pinot Noirs exclusively from its 400-acre vineyard in Carneros. The
winery has been owned by the Schmidheiny family of Switzerland since 1979. A
new winery devoted to Pinot Noir was built in Carneros and completed for the
2004 vintage. A tasting room on site is open by appointment. Steven Rogstad has
been the winemaker since 2001 and he has consistently produced masterful Pinot
Noirs. He also crafts the Cuvaison Block F5 Pinot Noir, a more intense expression
of the winery’s Carneros fruit. The wines are available on the website and widely
distributed.
·
Appealing mix of loamy and spiced cherry and berry aromas with
impeccable balance. The tannins are silky, the richness is evident but understated,
and the whole package drinks smoothly.
Reviewed April 18, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Cuvaison Block F5 Carneros Pinot Noir
Very Carneros, pretty in the best sense of the
word. Red cherry and dirt, sappy, substantial and delicious although quite tannic. Peacock tail
finish.
Reviewed March 23, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Cuvaison Block F5 Carneros Pinot Noir
Cuvaison has been producing Pinot Noir from their
estate vineyards in Carneros since 1987. With a renewed commitment to quality and a new winery in
the vineyard specifically constructed for the production of Pinot Noir, the wines have gone from good
to great. Winemaker Steve Rogstad crafts 4,500 cases of Pinot Noir annually, divided into three estate grown
bottlings - Carneros, Mariafeld, and Block F5.
·
$50. This is the best Cuvaison Pinot Noir I have ever
sampled. A serious wine with earth, toast and dusty black cherry flavors and appealing notes of minerality
and spice. Very tasty.
Reviewed August 6, 2007
ARTICLE »
2018 Cuvaison Napa Valley Los Carneros Pinot Noir Rosé
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.66, $30. Estate grown, certified sustainable. Grapes grown specifically for Rosé and harvested earlier at lower Brix. Fermented in stainless steel, aged 5 months on the lees in stainless steel. No MLF. · Light pinkish orange color in the glass. Aromas of macerated strawberries, white peach, blood orange and vanilla. Elegant and charming, with a silky texture and fresh flavors of red raspberry, strawberry and apricot. Completely dry, with some finish. A wine of relaxation and cheer. Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Cuvaison Napa Valley Los Carneros Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, T 0.60, $25. Grapes were picked from the Los Carneros estate the same day that the Nuns fire began and spared any damage. 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. This wine needs time to unfold. It lacks appeal upon opening but blossoms over time showing delicate aromas of lemon and pineapple.. Modest richness and creaminess, featuring a core of citrus fruits with a bit of pastry creme. Crisp and clean, in an easy drinking style. Score: 89. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »
2017 Cuvaison Napa Valley Los Carneros Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.54, $42. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Dark berry and plum aromas lead to a mid weighted wine with a core of earthy dark berry fruits accented with hints of mushroom and spice. Round and polished in the mouth, with restrained tannins, a complimentary hint of oak and some finishing boldness. A well-crafted, solid wine. Score: 90. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Cuvaison Single Block Series Adda Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.58, $50. A barrel selection of lowest yield Old Wente vines averaging 15 years of age. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels 50% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of lemon peel, peach skin and nutty oak. Richly endowed with well-ripened citrus, yellow peach and tropical fruit flavors blessed with a deft touch of oak. Rich and creamy in the mouth, with engaging finishing power. This wine reflects plenty of California sunshine in a style more driven by fruit than acidity. Score: 93. Reviewed January 20, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Cuvaison Single Block Series Spire Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.51, $52. Clone 115, 18-year-old from a low-yieldings high elevation site on the estate vineyard. This site stands out for its depth and concentration according to the winemaker. Yields in 2015 were down about 40%. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of dark cherry and a compliment of oak. More expressive on the palate, offering a mid weight plus charge of black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors underlain with earthiness and notes of dark chocolate and cola, Satiny in texture, with inviting harmony, finishing with some generosity. Can be enjoyed now but will benefit from another year in the cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed January 20, 2018 ARTICLE »
2012 Cuvaison Carneros Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $19. The generous yields of 2012 allowed production of this saignée fermented in a stainless steel tank. · Moderate pink coral color and clear in the glass. Aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries and melon in a crisp, clean and refreshing style of rosé. An ideal aperitif or accompaniment to summer barbecue fare. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Cuvaison Estate Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $38. 100% estate grown blend from twenty distinct blocks in the Cuvaison Estate Vineyard. Average age of vines is 14 years. Each block is vinified separately using open top fermenters, basket pressed and aged 11 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red cherries and berries with hints of smoky oak and spice. Very smooth and polished on the palate with an array of flavors including raspberry and plum with accents of anise, grilled mushroom and oak. Bright acidity and a hi-tone finish. Score: 89. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Cuvaison Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.56, $38. Cuvaison’s flagship Pinot Noir is a blend of wines from 20 distinct blocks in the Cuvaison Estate Vineyard. Average age of vines is 14 years. Each block is vinified separately using open top fermentation, gentle punch downs, basket pressing and French oak aging (11 months in 33% new oak barrels). · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Impressive aromatic intensity offering scents of dark red cherries and berries, sandalwood, balsam and baking spices. Velvety smooth and polished on the palate with a delectable array of vivid fruit flavors including raspberry and plum with accents of anise, mushroom and earth and the right touch of oak. Highly typical of its Carneros origins and an impressive achievement in this challenging vintage. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Cuvaison Spire Carneros Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 550 cases, $48. Sourced from a block close to the tasting room planted to clone 115. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromatics offer welcoming scents of black raspberry jam, spice and rose petals. Soft and silky on the palate, with a delicious mélange of wild berry and black cherry flavors with beautifully integrated oak. This wine is clearly special, offering impeccable balance and a finish that really sings. Score: 92. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2007 Cuvaison Clone 115 Carneros Pinot Noir
(barrel sample) · Inky, candied oak on the nose, plenty of grip, flashes of alcohol, lots of fruit and an expanding finish. Promising, but not ready for prime time. Reviewed March 23, 2008 ARTICLE »
2007 Cuvaison Estate Carneros Pinot Noir
5,557 cases, $30. Cuvaison produces Pinot Noirs exclusively from its 400-acre vineyard in Carneros. The winery has been owned by the Schmidheiny family of Switzerland since 1979. A new winery devoted to Pinot Noir was built in Carneros and completed for the 2004 vintage. A tasting room on site is open by appointment. Steven Rogstad has been the winemaker since 2001 and he has consistently produced masterful Pinot Noirs. He also crafts the Cuvaison Block F5 Pinot Noir, a more intense expression of the winery’s Carneros fruit. The wines are available on the website and widely distributed. · Appealing mix of loamy and spiced cherry and berry aromas with impeccable balance. The tannins are silky, the richness is evident but understated, and the whole package drinks smoothly. Reviewed April 18, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Cuvaison Block F5 Carneros Pinot Noir
Very Carneros, pretty in the best sense of the word. Red cherry and dirt, sappy, substantial and delicious although quite tannic. Peacock tail finish. Reviewed March 23, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Cuvaison Block F5 Carneros Pinot Noir
Cuvaison has been producing Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards in Carneros since 1987. With a renewed commitment to quality and a new winery in the vineyard specifically constructed for the production of Pinot Noir, the wines have gone from good to great. Winemaker Steve Rogstad crafts 4,500 cases of Pinot Noir annually, divided into three estate grown bottlings - Carneros, Mariafeld, and Block F5. · $50. This is the best Cuvaison Pinot Noir I have ever sampled. A serious wine with earth, toast and dusty black cherry flavors and appealing notes of minerality and spice. Very tasty. Reviewed August 6, 2007 ARTICLE »