Ron R

9.4

A more slightly restrained example, in large part due to the age. Nose displays cherry blossom and blueberries. Still possesses the grainy tannins and espresso notes on the palette. Oak profile is subtle. Acid is soft and complements the tannins perfectly. I consider this to be on its plateau. Drink over the next 24 months if you prefer a more youthful tasting experience. — a month ago

with Anne-marie

Dean Bernal Sr.

9.2

2014 Buccella Merlot for Cab drinkers. — 5 years ago

with Julie, April and 2 others

Aaron Means

9.4

A textural treat. This and Buccella are some of the best textural wines on the market. Massive tannins yet they are fine and round. Dark berry compote, cocoa, plum, mild licorice, graphite. A baby waiting to be born. Too bad most will drink this way too young because it delivers oodles immediately after popping the cork. — 6 years ago

Chris Anton

9.3

Wow! What a fantastic cab. Love every sip. — a year ago

Shay A

9.4

On my first trip out to Napa (2015), Jarvis was one of the favorites, and so we went back in 2016 and again in 2018. We go to Napa every year, and it’s one of the only wineries we have visited multiple times.

This was part of a retrospective on 2012 Napa cabs, alongside Shafer HSS, Scarecrow, Morlet CdV, Bryant DB4, Dominus, Pulido Walker Melanson, Kapscandy, Buccella Cuvee Katrina Eileen and others. Definitely the most restrained.

For some reason, I always get a streak of green peppercorn on all of the reds from Jarvis. It’s not off putting, just a signature of the winemaking. I’ve never found these wines to be overblown/high alcohol. They aren’t quite Bordeaux like, but they are clearly in between current Napa style and a restrained bridge to Bordeaux. This 2012 was true to the above. Aromatics here has green peppercorn, tar, underripe black fruits and a very fragrant potpourri note. Even after being open a few hours this was strong with zippy acidity surrounded by pepper crusted blackberries, mocha, black cherries and even some leather (not Brett driven, though). Blind, maybe someone takes this to left bank Bordeaux in a ripe vintage…but the kiss of sweetness is hard to take away from Napa. Wonderfully delicious and complex Cabernet starting to enter a great drinking window.

— 2 years ago

Eric

9.6

Dig it. All the trademark Buccella traits like plush candied oak with a Rhone skeleton of wild game and pepper. Cool neon purple too. Looks like they got a new winemaker in -15? Fingers crossed. — 6 years ago

Lorenzo Hernandez

9.5

Excellent Bottle. Could have left it alone a few more years but was perfect w/ a outside fire — 8 months ago

Shay A

9.4

This is the youngest Buccella I’ve had, and the experience was very interesting. Knowing the style, as well as previous experiences with the producer, these fall in to the plush, decadent and hedonistic type bucket. Flavor is always turned up to 11 with silky texture. With this bottle, I experienced those things, but only in waves. It seemed to be a rollercoaster where it was rocking at pop and pour, shut down after some air, and then slightly opened back up after 24hrs.

Stain your glass purple in color! Wow. A total explosion of decadent flavors aromatically...dark chocolate shavings, cassis, baked mixed berry pie, plenty of baking spices like vanilla and nutmeg, and black licorice. On the palate, the structure is chameleon like...it pulls you in with freshly squeezed dark fruits and melted fondue chocolate before snapping back with a chewy, tannic, and dense finish. 24hrs smooths it out and reveals espresso, candied blueberries and blackberries. Fruit forward Cabernet that packs a punch but tries to soften the blow by being sexy. — 4 years ago

Shawn R

9.3

Needs about an hour to open up. Suave bottle, that was fun to drink next to the entry level Buccella. Polar opposite wines. — 5 years ago

Eric

9.2

Stood up surprisingly well next to the Buccella. Baking spice, earth, black fruit, and cranberries. A little tart and gritty on the finish but overall really solid. — 7 years ago