2023 Gundlach Bundschu “Mountain Cuvee”

2023 Gundlach Bundschu “Mountain Cuvee”

2023 Gundlach Bundschu “Mountain Cuvee” Cabernet based blend featuring layer upon layer of ripe fruit – think boysenberry, cranberry and pomegranate – followed by a hint of toasty oak. Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvée is a medium-bodied, red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot packed with juicy red fruit, black currants and a dark chocolate finish. We’re getting silky tannins. Hints of oak and cedar. And an elegant structure with a finish that’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Offers standout scents of dark chocolate and blackberry cobbler. It’s rich and round, with supple tannins and a dusty mouthfeel. Coffee and wildflowers combine to create an expansive array of aromas and flavors as plum and oak enter midway.

Gundlach-Bundschu is one of California’s oldest wineries, founded in 1858. Their glory years came to a halt in April 1906 when their San Francisco winery, located at 2nd and Bryant, was destroyed in the calamitous earthquake and fire. The modern “Gun-Bun” era begins in 1969, when young Jim Bundschu convinced his father Towle to replant their family’s historic, 100-year old Rhinefarm vineyard just east of Sonoma. Today those replanted vines are 47 years old, and cranking out their best fruit of all time. The family paid of the mortgage on this historic property and vineyard decades ago and as a result they don’t have to charge $80 a bottle for their great wines.

Year after year, the Bordeaux-inspired “Mountain Cuvée” from Gundlach Bundschu consistently punches above its price point. This Cabernet based blend has received a huge 91pts by WE and 92pts Decanter for the 2023 Gundlach Bundschu’s  Mountain Cuvee and can be had for $17.99 per making this a great case buy!

Gun-Bun as they are known today have a great winemaker making their wines. Keith Emerson started out at Cakebread before moving to Gun-Bun. He also makes wine with Philippe Melka at Vineyard 29. He also oversees the winemaking programs for a number of custom-crush clients, such as Melka Wines and Skipstone Ranch, and works with several respected growers, including David Abreu, Mike Wolf, Jim Barbour, Piña Vineyard Management and Silverado Farming Company, among others. Keith also consults for Robert Craig, Martin Ray, Vinoce, Levensohn and Knighton Family Vineyards. I have enjoyed many of his wines over the years and he is as good as it gets.

The 2023 Mountain Cuvee is a superb blend of Bordeaux grapes blending Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec resulting in a big; rich, opulent red that at under $25 a bottle is an absolute steal when compared to what’s available in the market place at this price point, almost a throw back in time. Wines of this pedigree were priced this way 15 years ago. This is a whole lot of wine for the money.