B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Described by Jeb Dunnuck as “impeccably made and undeniably delicious,” the enticing 91 pt. 2021 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon offers juicy dark fruit hinting of savory spice with firm, silky tannins on a long, luscious finish, crafted on a backbone of Rutherford Cab from “a fabulous vintage” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous and reflecting the quality of Far Niente's high scoring Napa Cab at a fraction of the price.
Founded in Rutherford in 2012, Bella Union was established by the team behind Far Niente and Nickel and Nickel, naming it for the road that led through the Mayacamas Mountains to the Bella Union Mining Company in the 1880's and crafting its Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend in part from the 25-acre Bella Oaks vineyard. Long considered a prime growing site, the Bella Oaks vineyard designation has appeared on the labels of esteemed wineries throughout the years including Heitz Cellar and more recently Staglin, the area’s well-draining, gravelly soils known for contributing Rutherford’s characteristic minerality and fine tannins. Situated on the western Rutherford Bench, the Bella Union vineyard is planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with vines ranging up to 30 years of age, boasting the ideal combination of warm, sunny days and cool evenings that allows the grapes to ripen evenly and develop layers of rich complexity. Blending 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot with small amounts of Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the appealing 2021 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced mainly from the estate's Rutherford vineyard as well as parcels in Calistoga, St. Helena and Oak Knoll and aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 18 months, yielding rich layers of succulent dark fruit with velvety, mouth coating tannins structured to enjoy over the coming decade.
Sourced from the heart of the iconic Rutherford AVA, the impeccably crafted 91 pt. 2021 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious, age worthy Cab known among Napa Cab lovers for consistently over delivering value, a ready to enjoy Cab reflecting the quality of Far Niente that's well priced to enjoy often. |