Brutocao Cellars Über Cab Review

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Über Cab: What I think

A true family winery, Brutocao’s main vineyard, Bliss, was first farmed in 1943 by Irv Bliss. When Irv’s daughter married Len Brutocao, the families joined forces to convert the Mendocino farm into a vineyard. After selling their grapes to well-known wineries in Sonoma and Napa, they began making their first wines in 1980. Still family owned and operated, the fourth generation of descendants has joined the team, wearing many hats as most people do in family-run businesses.

Over time Brutocao has added new vineyards to their holdings, and they now call their Mendocino vineyards, collectively, Hopland Ranches. At the Bliss Vineyard, the Feliz Vineyard, and the Content Vineyard they grow: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Primitivo (sometimes confused for Zinfandel, but a distinct grape).

The grapes for this wine come from the family’s Contento Vineyard.

The official tasting notes: “Aromas of cola-spiced red fruit with a hint of mocha are followed by bright, dark cherry-spiced fruit in the mid-palate and a long mocha and toffee finish.” This is a popular profile for red wine (fruit, cherry, spiced, and mocha).

Both of the Über wines I tried were matured in stainless steel “with specialized oak staves.” The reality of American wine these days is that if you want something that is complex and inexpensive, you need to find some production shortcuts. Oak staves inserted into a non-oak vessel or neutral oak barrel are one way to achieve the flavors associated with oak without spending big money on barrels.

It’s important to understand how wines are made and how those wine making decisions can change the final product. Given the marketplace's need for down-to-earth prices for California wine, I think this practice was well-executed by Brutocao in these two wines.

Last updated: March 19, 2023