Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Buccella
Label Name:
 
Merlot
Vintage:
 
2019
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley (Hyde Vineyard, Carneros)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.6%
Grape(s):
 
97% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Method:
 
Fruit from two blocks in Hyde Vineyard; open-vat fermentation, aged 18 months in 70% new French oak; bottled unfiltered and unfined; very low yields.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Plush, full-bodied Merlot with dark plum, black cherry and raspberry jam, layered with baking spice, nutmeg, vanilla and violet. Silky tannins, cocoa and milk‑chocolate finish with vibrant acidity and a long, savory finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Filet mignon, braised short ribs, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, dark chocolate tart; Asian pairings: Peking duck, hoisin-glazed pork, Korean BBQ (galbi), beef bulgogi, char siu.
Vineyard Info:
 
Buccella, founded 2002 by Bill and Alicia Deem, is a small Napa Valley producer focused on Bordeaux-style wines. Merlot comes from Hyde Vineyard blocks in Carneros; limited-production, club-allocated releases.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Multiple retailers/importers list this bottling around 95–96 points