2016 Buccella Mixed Blacks

Buccella Wine in Yountville was founded in 2002 by Bill and Alicia Dean. The name of the winery means “a mouthful” in Italian, a reference to their first date, during which they shared a bottle of Gaja. Buccella makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and cuvee called Katrina Eileen, named after their daughter. Cuvee Katrina Eileen is Cabernet Sauvignon from a small vineyards in the western hills of Yountville. Buccella’s wines have earned ratings in the mid-90s from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate.

Sierra Foothills AVA is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it includes parts of eight counties. With total acreage of 2.6 million acres, and nearly 6,000 vineyard acres, it is one of the largest appellations in California. Wine grapes were planted in the foothills during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century and the appellation was officially recognized in 1987. There are five sub-appellations within the Sierra Foothills region, and more than 100 wineries, most small and family-owned. Zinfandel is the most successful wine grape in this region, though Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also planted.