Buccella
Merlot 2020
Carneros, California
Elegant, silky and layered; this Merlot has aromas of ripe plum, strawberry, raspberry jam and black cherry jump out of the glass and mingle with hints of cedar, clove, graphite and vanilla bean. An alluring, mid-palate is round and balanced by sweet red fruit, cocoa and a luscious savory finish. Soft, plush, juicy tannins create a textured palate, which will have you yearning for another sip. This is a definite “Cab lovers” Merlot that is approachable now and will lay down for 15 to 20 years.
Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Aging: 18 months in 70% new French Oak
Appellation: Carneros, California
Bottled: Unfiltered and unfined
Produced: 188 cases
WINEMAKING NOTES:
“Our Merlot fruit comes from two blocks atop a knoll in the acclaimed Carneros appellation, where harvests typically yield less than two tons per acre. Influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean, Carneros is an ideal spot for growing our distinctive Merlot. It’s a youthful wine that’s invitingly approachable, while still offering the richness and decadence we love.” – Buccella
ABOUT BUCCELLA:
Founded in 2002 by Bill Deem and his wife, Alicia; the couple discovered their mutual love for the wine industry over a bottle of 1990 Gaja, shared on their very first date. They chose the name “Buccella,” meaning “mouthful” in Latin, to highlight the big, bold, concentrated flavors that make their wines so luxurious. Their goal is to create wines that bring people together, initiate new relationships and celebrate life’s most monumental moments. Learn more about their story here.
Photos and information © Buccella – All Rights Reserved.
Kokomo Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Sonoma County, California
This Cabernet Sauvignon is full of black fruit flavors with hints of cassis, clove, dusty soil, and anise. The tannins are supportive and integrated showing a silky character that finishes with just a touch of acidity, making this Cabernet an elegant food pairing wine.
Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Harvest: October 2021
Fermentation: Tank fermented
Barrel Aging: 11 months in French Oak, 20% new
VINEYARD DESCRIPTION:
This explosive Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from Kokomo’s 100-acre Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard in Alexander Valley, Ruth’s Vineyard, with 20% coming from their home vineyard in Dry Creek Valley.
WINEMAKER NOTES:
“The goal in making this Cabernet Sauvignon was to make it powerful yet graceful, food-friendly yet delicious on its own, and most importantly, balanced. After harvesting the grapes, we sorted them and gently de-stemmed them without crushing or bruising the fruit. We cold soak the grapes for 3-5 days and let fermentation begin naturally using the native yeast that comes in on the grapes from the vineyard. When we are satisfied with the fermentation and the quality of the juice, we gently press the wine so it can rest in 100% oak barrels for one year. We tend to use more neutral oak on this wine to showcase the fruit.” – Kokomo Winery Team
ABOUT THE WINERY:
Owner and Winemaker Erik Miller started the winery in 2004 naming it after his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana, and decided on a Coastal Cypress Tree as a logo to signify his move out west. Kokomo currently produces over a dozen different varietals and several single vineyard designates which are farmed by his partner in the winery, grower, Randy Peters. Kokomo Winery has been making its mark in Sonoma County, unfailingly earning 90+ ratings, Best of Class, and Gold Medals across all of their varietals since the beginning. The team takes pride in being a family winery; they have created a place for visitors to enjoy a comfortable and laid back wine tasting experience immersed in their cellar and surrounded by wine barrels. Learn more here.
Photos, video and information © Kokomo Winery – All Rights Reserved.
Love to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here
WineStyles Tasting Station 