2010 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon

Buccella's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is drop-dead gorgeous. Violets, mint, crushed rocks, licorice and smoke jump from the glass in a vibrant, focused Cabernet loaded with class. The trademark Buccella richness is there, but the 2010 has a level of pure energy I have never seen here before. Blackberry jam, graphite, smoke and pencil shavings linger on the finish. This is an exceptional Caberent Sauvignon made in a rich, opulent style with fabulous balance and tons of personality. The 2010 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with dollops of Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, aged 22 months in French oak, 80% new.

(from multiple vineyard sources, mostly in Coombsville; 90% cabernet sauvignon, 5% malbec, 2% each petit verdot and merlot and 1% cabernet franc; winemaker Rebekah Wineburg destems 100% but ferments whole berries): Good bright medium ruby. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet and tobacco. Concentrated, savory and flavorful but youthfully primary today, showing a slightly syrupy ripeness to its lush black fruit and licorice flavors. Bright acidity (6.6 grams per liter) and a firm tannic spine suggest that this big guy will need at least six or seven years of cellaring.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from Buccella is a big step up from the 2009. Dark cherries, plums, mocha, chocolate and sweet spices are some of the nuances that take shape in this opulent, exuberant wine. Hints of cinnamon, cloves and licorice add complexity as layers of fruit build to the juicy, opulent finish. This attractive Cabernet Sauvignon is plush and inviting today, but I imagine it will be even better in another year or two once the tannins soften. This is a great showing from Buccella and winemaker Celia Welch. The 2010 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.