Situated in the mountains above Conn Valley, near the base of Howell Mountain, the Buehler Vineyards estate vineyards are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. The juxtaposed topography of steeply sloped hillsides with eastern exposures against very gently sloping hills with southern and southwestern exposures hints at the tumultuous geologic past of the estate, where extensive faulting resulted in at least three distinct soil types. Not surprisingly, grapes grown on the different soils give different characteristics to the finished wines. These differences are often as great as the differences between various Bordeaux varieties, and allow the winery to blend within the variety of Cabernet Sauvignon to craft a truly multi-faceted estate wine. The wine was aged 18 months in barrels: 35% new French oak, 5% new American oak.

The aromas hint at black fruit: ripe black cherries and black plums. Enticing barrel qualities of cola and spice complement the fruit aromas. On the palate, the wine shows layers of deeply extracted flavours that only mature hillside vineyards can render. The “Estate” Cabernet is the most age-worthy wine Buehler produces and may be enjoyed anytime over the next 15 years. For less fruity, more developed bouquet aromas and a softer, more velvety wine on the palate, drink it from 2022-2034.

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is powerful, dense and wonderfully expressive right out of the gate. Blackberry, chocolate, new leather and cloves are beautifully amplified. Large-scaled and yet super-finessed, the Estate is a terrific example of what readers can find here.”
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, December 2023

“A broad and intense cabernet showing chocolate, blackcurrants, baked cherries and mocha on the nose. Mouth-filling, fleshy and concentrated. Drink or hold.”
91 points, James Suckling, July 2024