2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Livelier and fresher than the 2017, Buccella's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon delivers vibrant notes of cherries and cassis. Full-bodied and richly textured, it's still maybe a bit coarse, then turns chocolaty on the long finish. Like the previous vintage, it's 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance a blend of Malbec and Merlot.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows a touch more purity and vibrancy, yet it’s certainly cut from the same cloth with its classic, age-worthy style. Cassis, crushed stone, lead pencil, and hints of violets define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with beautiful tannins and the focused, pure, seamless style of the vintage. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, and the rest Merlot. It’s well worth following over the coming 20-25 years.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a heady, showy wine endowed with port-like richness. Blackberry jam, espresso, licorice, cloves and new French oak saturate the palate. Buccella is one of the most opulent wines in Napa Valley. As always, it packs a serious punch. There is zero subtlety though, and not much in the way of refinement.