One of the most sought after wines in the world is a great Cabernet Sauvignon. There are several areas around the world that can lay claim to making the finest and most in demand Cabs, and Napa Valley is included in that group. I find that the best of the best in Napa Valley Cabernet usually comes from boutique producers that one needs to make an extra effort to discover. Buccella is such a producer and they have a wine that every Cabernet lover should be yearning to own.
The Buccella 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit sourced in several of the most desirable locations for the grape within Napa Valley; Oakville, Stag’s Leap, Yountville and Coombsville. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (94%), small amounts of Petit Verdot (3%), Malbec (2%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) were blended in. The 2009 Buccella wine was whole berry fermented and then aged in French oak over 22 months; 80% of the barrels were new. Just over 1,000 cases of this Cabernet were produced and it sells for $145.
Prior to even tasting this wine I was immediately struck by the excellent packaging. The bottle came wrapped in tissue. Lifting it to remove the tissue I noticed the heft that came from the double-thick glass it’s bottled in. The label shows the vintage year and is topped off by an impressive wax seal. Pouring the wine reveals a color that is dark and inky. The first whiff shows matching aromas of dark fruit with blackberry and black raspberry leading the way. Continued dark berry fruit flavors lead the impressive palate along with copious quantities of spice. The flavors here are concentrated and deep with complexity to spare. Earth, espresso and black pepper all appear in droves on the finish which has great length and persistence. This is powerful example of Cabernet Sauvignon with great structure, intensity, fine balance and prodigious length. In short this is what top-end Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is all about.
The bottom line with the 2009 Bucella is that it’s an extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon that lovers of this grape should be jumping out of their shoes to buy. Whether you drink it today with a nicely marbled steak or lay it down for a number of years, you’re sure to be knocked out by this wine. There isn’t a thing here that isn’t impressive, so head over to their website and get some for yourself.
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