"Buccella, under the guidance of well-known winemaking consultant Celia Masyczek has fashioned brilliant Cabernet Sauvignons in both 2006 and 2007." — Robert Parker
Buccella Winery ranks among the finest boutique wineries in Napa Valley, crafting rich and opulent Cabernets and Rhone-style blends throughout the 21st century. Owned and operated by Bill and Alicia Deem, the couple sources fruit from prime vineyards across the region, exerting a high level of control over the winemaking without investing high capital. Each of Buccella's four wine labels receives high praise from critics and, with fewer than 1,200 cases produced, attracts intense demand from serious wine enthusiasts.
Buccella Winery History
Buccella Winery was founded in the early 2000s by Bill and Alicia Deem, then-newlyweds who regularly frequented Napa Valley. The pair lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the time and operated a successful landscaping company. While they had no formal winemaking background, Bill and Alicia were inspired to create Buccella after sharing a bottle of 1990 Gaja during their first date. As such, they honeymooned in Napa Valley and stumbled upon top winemaker Mark Herold of Merus Wines.
After many attempts, Herold convinced the Deems to open a winery and quickly sourced fruit, barrels, and a facility. He then crafted the inaugural 2002 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon, receiving high praise from The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and Vinous Media, each of which rated the wine 93 points. Only 403 cases were produced and were lauded for its lively berry notes and ripe mouthfeel, even gaining an exemplary rating from Robert Parker, who stated, "It is a sexy, Pomerol-styled red that brings to mind the brilliant Hundred Acre from Jayson Woodbridge."
While many would have purchased a vineyard, Buccella Winery continued as proprietors, forming long-term leases with growers across Napa Valley and eventually building their own winery in 2006. The Deems then partnered with the visual design firm, UXUS, to create a stunning, minimalist label, which features only the vintage year and color-coded wax seals designated to each wine. The name, Buccella, was born from the Latin term, which translates to "mouthful," illustrating the big, bold, concentrated flavors of Buccella wines.
While Mark Herald was the inaugural winemaker, he gave way to superstar Celia Welch, best known for her time at Scarecrow Winery. Under Welch, Buccella wines catapulted to the top of Napa Valley's hierarchy, consistently receiving 95+ point scores from Robert Parker. Next, Welch's apprentice, Rebekah Wineburg, took over in 2013 and has remained head winemaker since. She divides her time between Buccella and Quintessa, cementing her place as a top Napa viticulturist.
Buccella Wine Labels
Buccella produces four wine labels each vintage, mixed between Bordeaux varietals and Rhone-style blends. These cuvèes have become distinguished for Buccella's signature richness, opulence, and complexity, all sourced with fruit from elite Napa sites.
Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon
As the estate's flagship label, the Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from fruit in Napa's cooler AVAs, such as Yountville, Coombsville, and Oakville. Small amounts of Malbec and Merlot are blended and give the wine silky tannins, an elegant mouthfeel, and incredible age-ability.
Buccella Merlot
The Buccella Merlot is sourced from two blocks atop a knoll in Carneros. The nearby Pacific Ocean cools the vineyard and produces low yields, leading to powerfully concentrated fruit. Consequently, the final blend is rich and best enjoyed in its youth.
Buccella Mixed Blacks
Buccella Mixed Blacks is the estate's ode to the Rhone Valley, comprising Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, and Viognier. The fruit is sourced from the Shake Ridge Vineyard in Amador County; the site's diverse soil composition produces depth and flavor in each vine. When masterfully blended, the final cuvèe displays complex peppery notes, rustic aromas, and spice and dark fruit flavors.
Buccella Cuvèe Katrina Eileen
Named after Bill and Alicia's first-born daughter, the Buccella Cuvèe Katrina Eileen is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Yountville's rocky, western hills. The complex terroir leads to low yields and decadent fruit, mirroring Katrina's complex, unreserved, and expressive personality. Bottles are known for their rich and opulent character, and cedar box, dark espresso, and blackberry notes.
Add Buccella To Your Cellar
With less than 1,200 total cases produced, Buccella is a top-tier Napa wine to add to your cellar. Each bottle is meticulously crafted and sourced from pristine vineyards in the region, making for bold and opulent wines. Browse through our selection of Buccella wines today and secure your allocation.
