If you have been reading my posts for the last year, you may recall the notes I wrote on the 2006 vintage of Buccella Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from a private tasting with proprietor, Bill Deem and winemaker, Chris Justin in late spring. During that time, I also tasted barrel samples of 2007 wines, including the Cuvee Katrina Eileen. Bill commented that I was the first writer to taste all of the wines together. 

The 2006 vintage was one of transition for the winery, with Celia Welch replacing Mark Herold as consulting winemaker. With her track record of excellence at every turn, I wasn’t disappointed by the results; a pair of 95 ratings for the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. I found the 2007 barrels equally impressive - with only the Cabernet Sauvignon showing any reticence at that stage. Because I had tasted virtually every vintage from the beginning, I wasn’t concerned how the wine would be showing when released.  I asked Bill to let me know when the vintage would be ready and he promised to send me samples. In mid November, I opened a box delivered to my office and was happy to see a full set of the three 2007 Buccella bottlings to be considered in the Top25 List of 2009. I needed to wait a couple weeks before I accumulated more samples of Napa bordeaux varietals to combine in a competitive flight (which happened this week).

2007 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; DW 96 

14.6% Alcohol, 1110 cases produced, $150.00

This is the wine that started it all in the 2002 vintage resulting in a seamless progression of excellence year after year. 

Aromas: Sandalwood, toast, blackberry, tar, graphite, dark cherry and hints of orange or clementine skins

Palate: Shows a firm entry with shadings of stone fruits, mineral and licorice. Given some airing, the structure got even more intense - offering coffee and blackberry

Impression: As noted previously, the wine is very much in infancy but showing more dimension than in the spring. Don’t touch until 2015

2007 Buccella Merlot Napa Valley; DW 96

14.7% alcohol, 330 cases, blended with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.00

The third consecutive vintage of excellent Merlot from Buccella leaves the taster wanting very little.

Aromas: Superb integration of seamless cherry, mineral and cocoa with hints of  sweet herbs and yellow stone fruits

Palate: Mocha, blackberry, plum, cherry are all nicely interleaved together

Impression: With all of the forward fruit quality, there is also a good measure of acidity that emerges after an hour or two with air. Decanting for 20-30 minutes is recommended to show this wine at its most dazzling

2007 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee Katrina Eileen; DW 95

14.8% alcohol, 106 cases produced, $225.00

Named for Bill and Alicia’s daughter, it is the newest and most expensive addition to the Buccella

Aromas: A beautiful, supple nose of sandalwood, salt, pure blackberry and currant showing plenty of depth

Palate: Enormously lush on the palate with flavors of plum, fig, spicy blackberry and cherry with delicate hints of herb, chocolate and graphite

Impression:  Vibrant acidity provides a sturdy framework for this lushly textured canvas

All wines are available at Buccella.