For six generations and over 160 years, the Bundschu family has farmed the Rhinefarm estate vineyard at the crossroads of the Sonoma Valley, Carneros, and Napa Valley appellations. The winery focuses on making small lots of ultra-premium wines from its historic property. In 1858, Joseph Gundlach came from Bavaria and purchased 400 acres in Sonoma, which he named in Rhinefarm. He and his new bride spent their honeymoon traveling through France and Germany, purchasing the rootstock they would bring to Rhinefarm for planting. They planted 60,000 vines and had their first bottling in 1861. At the time, there were about a dozen vineyards in all of Napa Valley! In 1868, Charles Bundschu immigrated to San Francisco from Germany and shortly after began working at the winery. He married Joseph Gundlach’s eldest daughter and they inherited the winery upon Joseph’s death. The winery was then renamed Gundlach Bundschu; Charles managed it for 42 years, making it an international wine empire.

We will sample:

GunBun Dry Gewürztraminer 2020 — Jacob Gundlach brought this grape over from Bavaria and it has been growing on Rhinefarm ever since. A combination of 44- and 10-year-old vines planted in the coolest part of the ranch are used. Canopies protect the fruit as much as possible from direct sunlight to preserve the Gewürztraminer characteristics and harvest is early to capture the natural acidity of the grapes. Although plenty of wineries in Alsace sweet Gewürztraminers, this one is completely dry. Fresh and pleasing with aromas and flavors of tart nectarine, a suggestion of flowers, and a hint of minerality. Crisp yet smooth finish with bright acidity. Brisk, clean and grapefruity, it’s an ideal companion to spicy food (Gewurz means "spice" in German). Rating: 92, Wine.com.
14.2% ABV. $24.50/$8.50

GunBun Mountain Cuvée Red Blend 2019 — This Cuvée purposely pays homage to Bordeaux blends from France. Plush and full-bodied with assertive structure complimented by a delicate fresh red fruit character. Aromas of red earth, Dragon Fruit, Goji berries, and red and black currants followed by flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, strawberry preserves, tobacco leaf and cedar. Juicy and lively with medium-bodied richness and silky tannins. Balanced, robust and smooth.
Blend: 41% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc.
Rating: 93, Jeb Dunnuck. 14.7% ABV. $23.99/$8

GunBun Merlot 2018 — Merlot can have a reputation for being soft and wimpy, but the Merlot from Rhinefarm takes on a robust personality. It is distinctively dark and weighty with aromas and flavors of blueberries, black tea, cocoa, and spice box. This classic Bordeaux varietal is one of the most versatile that exists — it can grow under many different situations, changing personality depending on whether it’s grown in warm or cold climate. GunBun has both climates on its estate: spicy, red fruit and tannin from the cooler areas and black fruit flavors and lushness to the midpalate from the warmer areas. These varied flavor profiles allow the winery to create a rich, layered wine and no one dominant characteristic or texture. After skipping a vintage for the first time in 40 years due to the 2017 fires, release the 2018 Rhinefarm Estate Merlot was highly anticipated. French thyme, Himalayan blackberry, and filé powder offer a blend of fruit and savory aromas. On the palate, flavors of dried red currant, nutmeg, and Morello cherries are balanced with fine, smooth tannins. This Merlot can age up to ten years quite gracefully. Blend: 92% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec.
Rating: 91, Wine Enthusiast. 14.5% ABV. $39.99/$13

We are very excited to add these to our shelves! See you Friday!!