Just
when I least expected it! BAM!! WHAT A
BOMBSHELL! I was totally blown away by
the first release of a new Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon with the proprietary name
MICA (Latin
meaning "morsel", and pronounced
Mee-kuh). "Morsel"? What is Latin for
BONANZA?
Mica is produced by Bill and
Alicia Deem's brilliant winemaking team at
Buccella (Latin for
"mouthful"). The consulting winemaker
is Celia Welch Masyczek, best known for her
extraordinary work at Staglin, D. R.
Stephens, and Scarecrow. Chris
Justin is at the helm, after previous
stints with Del Dotto, Carter, and
Mercus!!
Buccella's excellent reputation
should not be an unknown to the Napa Valley
aficonado, with a consistent record of very high ratings
from the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker since its
inaugural 2002 vintage. But then, you'll
easily pay $100+ a bottle from internet
merchants & auction sites.
Mica is an attempt to sort and
declassify barrels not making the final cut for the
Buccella's master blends. Except,
each wine has been made exactly the same: That
is, all the components have been "whole berry
fermented in t-bins....barrel aged 22 months in new
French oak....bottled unfiltered and
unfined". The only difference is, curiously,
Mica carries the lowest
alcohol wine of the portfolio at a "refreshing"
14.5%. Probably why I like it so much!!
617 case produced.
The 06 Mica's blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon,
4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cab Franc and 1%
Malbec. The wine exudes an "expensive" purity
of intense black fruits, rich lush texture, and decadent
mouthfeel, while still performing with a sense of
lithe, grace, and refinement!
Before the word is out, I highly recommend
you purchase, even if it's just to try a
bottle. Btw - Very handsome, broad
shoulder bottle. Should be $60 to $65 a
bottle. Order NOW for
$54.95. Available to try for a
little shell shocking at this
Saturday's Tasting Bar, but please reserve now.
