2009 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon

Both of these wines showed well, with the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) revealing slightly more structure as well as a more reserved style. This impressive endowed 2009 exhibits lots of creme de cassis, licorice, violets and new oak. A big, full-bodied wine with tannin to shed, so it may require some additional bottle age. Both wines are multi-AVAs from five vineyards spread across Napa Valley. It should last two decades. Tel. (707) 949-1000

(includes 3% petit verdot, 2% malbec and 1% cabernet franc; mostly from Coombsville fruit): Saturated ruby. Medicinal black cherry, blackberry liqueur and licorice on the very ripe nose. Fat and thick but not heavy, with a strong acid spine supporting the flavors of dark berries and dusty spices. Finishes with big, chewy, slightly tough tannins that will require a minimum of five or six years of aging. Shows a surprising light touch for such a big boy. Rebeka Wineburg makes this wine, with Celia Welch consulting here since 2008.

Medicinal black cherry, blackberry liqueur and licorice on the very ripe nose. Fat and thick but not heavy, with a strong acid spine supporting the flavors of dark berries and dusty spices. Finishes with big, chewy, slightly tough tannins that will require a minimum of five or six years of aging. Shows a surprising light touch for such a big boy. (ST) 91+