I’m not a wine expert or a beer expert for that matter but I do drink more and more wine and this was a splurge for me at around $60 USD. American Cabs used to be my go-to with Beringer Knights Valley being an always-buy when I’m looking for a solid wine and Robert Mondavi Cabernet Reserve being a must drink whenever I’m not paying the bill.
Last month, I went back to my old ways and bought 12 bottles of random American Cabs that I had not had before. 10% off when I buy 12 bottles and most were $10-$20 range…this was indeed a big splurge.
I opened it last night, allowed my glass to sit for half an hour. The wine was poured at 58F from the cellar after being stored for a crazy long 3 months.
Here are notes from the vineyard site for their 2011 vintage:
The 2011 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful interplay between the lively acidity that is the hallmark of the vintage and the density and lushness that Buccella wines represent. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and black plum mingle with notes of molasses, cocoa, and baking spices. The palate showcases a velvet texture, coffee and dark chocolate flavors, and a rich finish of black fruit.
Oakville, Yountville, Stag’s Leap, Coombsville fruit
Whole berry fermented
Aged 22 months in 85% new French oak
Bottled unfiltered and unfined
Alcohol 14.2%
Cabernet Sauvignon 92%
Cabernet Franc 5%
Malbec 3%
842 cases produced
The 2010, I don’t see a lot of info online but the main take-away is that this is the most jammy like fresh blackberry jam I’ve ever had. It’s intense, almost sweet with fruit. The first sip after pouring was extremely high in tannins and the acidity had me regretting the purchase. After some time, that faded and the fruit really shined. I was sipping on this slowly for a few hours before re-corking the bottle for a part 2 this evening.
If you see this one, I’d grab a bottle, lay it down for 2 years and savor it with foie gras, french bread, walnuts and chèvre. It’s a full-bodied savory wine with fruit for days. Zero dryness. Would have again if not for the high price.
