Bella Union was founded in 2012 by the Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel team, who have been crafting some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in Napa Valley for over 30 years. The heart of Bella Union lies in its 25-acre vineyard in Rutherford, located along Bella Oaks Lane, a historic country road once known as Bella Union. The vineyard is primarily planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, with vines that range between 20 and 30 years old.
The vineyard's location on the western Rutherford Bench provides an ideal combination of cool evenings and warm afternoons, perfect for ripening grapes fully and evenly. The gravelly loam soil is well-draining and contributes significantly to the vineyard’s distinct character. For the 2022 vintage, the Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Malbec, and 0.5% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 18 months, enhancing its complexity and depth.
The 2022 Bella Union Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with enticing aromas of black cherry, cassis, and cedar. On the palate, rich flavors of ripe plum, dark chocolate, and hints of vanilla are perfectly balanced with well-integrated tannins, leading to a long, satisfying finish. This wine showcases classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics with elegance and finesse, promising to develop beautifully over time.
Tasting Panel scored this 95 points saying, "With small percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, this exquisitely aromatic and textural Cabernet begins with a perfume of crushed violets and black cherry. Concentrated flavors of blackberry liqueur, vanilla, and sandalwood flow across chewy, velvet-lined tannins."
James Suckling gave this 91 points saying, "A cool, calm cabernet from a hot vintage. It’s full-bodied but smooth and almost soft in tannins. The red and black fruit has good concentration and depth, with accents of herbs and olives. Aged in all French barrels with 50% new."
Alcohol % | 14.0% |
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Vintage | 2022 |
Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Region | California |
Country | United States |
Appellation | Napa |
Bottle Size | 750 ml |
Type | Red |
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