Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Buccella
Label Name:
 
Merlot
Vintage:
 
2017
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley (Hyde Vineyard - Carneros)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.7%
Grape(s):
 
97% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Method:
 
Hand-harvested Hyde Vineyard fruit; cold soak (~7 days), whole-berry fermentation with délestage/pumpovers, extended maceration (4–5 weeks); aged ~18–21 months in French oak (≈70% new); bottled unfined/unfiltered.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Rich, velvety Merlot showing ripe plum, black cherry and raspberry jam with vanilla, baking spice and dark chocolate. Plush mid-palate, soft polished tannins and a long, savory finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roast lamb, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar. Asian: char siu or Cantonese roast pork, Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), mushroom hot pot or shiitake stir-fries.
Vineyard Info:
 
Buccella was founded by Bill & Alicia Deem (early 2000s). Boutique Napa producer sourcing premium sites (Hyde Vineyard, Carneros and other Napa appellations) focusing on small-production, luxury Merlot and Cabernet wines.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Buccella Merlot and other vintages have earned strong reviews and high scores in the mid-90s from retailers and critics; featured in Decanter ('Merlot Reborn') and press; Buccella received industry recognition including Food & Wine mentions