Mission Codename When I grow up...
Around here we share a similar philosophy of Succession’s Kendall Roy: “All bangers all the time.”
Buccella’s flagship Cab though?
A banger. A slapper, as the kids say. A certified OG “cult” classic out of Napa.
Has the 94 POINTS as expected. And our price? Totally unexpected, and the lowest in world history. Released at $250, and if you’re lucky, you might find bottles of some vintages out there for $150+.
But we can do better. As usual, we’re breaking down barriers to entry and pushing the limits of pricing reality - so Buccella that’s not 3 figures?
Buccella has always been one of her most coveted projects, dating back to the first blockbuster vintage in 2002. Maybe you’ve had their second wine, the ‘Mica’ we’ve procured in thousands of bottles. Well, this is the big dog. The flagship. And it’s a beauty.
The nearly 10lb bottle hints at what’s inside with its sexy look. In the glass, it’s all sleek, polished, and suave like Rico. Up front, it delivers a deep core of dark red and black fruit - steeped plum and raspberry coulis, pomegranate. Around back, you’ll find licorice, toasty baking spices, and mocha, riding a bed of firm, fine-grained tannins. It’s modern and lush, but not as inky or extracted as some previous vintages. With ample acidity, it just begs for a nice fatty steak to complete things.
As exciting as this is, there’s very little to be had. Secure yours while it’s here - who knows when we’ll see more of THE Buccella again!
94 Points – James Suckling
“Aromas of cassis and ripe black cherries with black licorice, toasted cedar and tobacco. Medium-bodied, textured and silky with polished and fine-grained tannins. Smooth and velvety with a deep dark-fruited core. Try from 2026.”
What the Winery Says
2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Landon Donley
- Varietals
- 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
- Vintage
- 2020
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Appellations
- Oakville, Yountville, Coombsville, Napa Valley
- Aging
- 22 months
- Barrels
- 80% new French oak