2010 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon – Silky Smooth and a Tradition
The Winery
Buccella is a small artisan and boutique winery committed to making limited quantities of luxury wines. They are located in the southern area of Napa with fruit coming from some of the premiere vineyards in Napa Valley.
It is not often a wine goes without an identifying label with the winery name on it. Their name and information is located on the back of the bottle. Collectors know that Buccella wines have this identifiable wax logo stamped on the bottle. It is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional silver tastevin cup used for tasting in Bordeaux and other areas. This along with the name “bucella”, a Latin word meaning mouthful, provides a perfect sampling of this exquisite wine. The winery was founded in 2002 by Bill Deem and his wife Alicia who are still actively involved in the business.
The Winemaker & Consultant
The wine was made by Rebekah Wineburg who was the winemaker there from 2009-2015. Renowned winemaker Celia Welch was the consulting winemaker for 3 years at Buccella. Rebekah is now the winemaker at Quintessa and owner/winemaker at Post and Vine Wines. The current winemaker at Buccella is Bradley Schroeder
The Wine
The 2010 Buccella is a Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) with Malbec 6%, Petit Verdot 3%, Merlot 3% and Cabernet Franc 2%. Robert Parker rated this 95 points a few years back. I acquired it nine years ago and it has been resting with “its brothers” very quietly. On eyes this is a deep black color and medium-full viscosity. The fragrance is black cherry and blueberry. On the palate, it opens up to express both the blueberry and cherry with distinction. Secondary flavors of vanilla and dark fruits abound. Key to this wine is the finish with soft and smooth silky tannins, this is not your normal big and sharp Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Rather than pick you up and slap you upside the head, this comes and caresses and warms you like a comforter next to a fireplace in winter. The style is as unique as its label. Absolutely one of my top twenty wines. Hard to find a 2010 rated 95 points by Robert Parker and price ranges from $175 to $225. The current release is the 2020.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Pulled this bottle out of the cellar to start the New Year out on the right note. This has been our 6th or 7th year opening a Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon on New Year’s Eve. Paired with a filet mignon seared in a cast iron skillet and then placed in the oven to finish it off. It came out perfectly medium rare and served with a dollop of butter/blue cheese/chive compote. Accompanied with fresh beans and garlic bread. While enjoying a glass with the meal, enjoyed the second glass without food due to it silkiness while watching the exciting Georgia verses Ohio State game.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 