Paoletti Estates Winery

Bella Novello Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

9.2

Bella Novello – Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A tribute wine named after Teresa Novello, this Cabernet Sauvignon carries the elegance of heritage with the power of Napa terroir. Crafted in limited production (just 850 cases), Bella Novello is youthful yet already expressive, shaped by winemaking that blends Italian finesse with Napa Valley boldness.

Aromas & Flavors
Aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry intertwine with cedar, graphite, and touches of dried violet. Subtle hints of mocha and spice round out its aromatic depth.

Mouthfeel
Structured and youthful, with firm tannins and a focused core of dark fruit. The mid-palate shows promise of expansion, leading to a lingering finish marked by cassis and savory spice. Designed to reward both patience and curiosity.

Food Pairings
Pair with classic dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb shanks, or wild mushroom risotto. Its backbone of tannin and freshness makes it ideal for rich, protein-driven meals.

Verdict
Bella Novello is a Cabernet with poise, combining Old World inspiration and Napa’s hallmark concentration. Drinkable now with decanting, but truly a wine built to age gracefully over the next decade.

Did You Know?
The Novello family’s Italian roots are deeply honored through this label, bringing a personal story of heritage to the heart of Napa winemaking.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Cabernet feels like a future classic, bold yet refined. While still youthful, it already hints at the elegance it will achieve with time. A bottle worth cellaring, but also one to enjoy now with the right meal and good company. Cheers! — 5 days ago

Ted, Bob and 1 other liked this

Dom Pérignon

Luminous Collection Cuvée Brut Champagne

Brian Lenich

Champaign at Yaz’s house — 2 months ago

Moët & Chandon

Cuvée Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne Blend 1983

Her Mir Tage

9.5

Look at this mesmerizing color!

I’ve opened two bottles of Dom Pérignon 1990 before—one of them was in excellent condition, with rich brioche and yeasty notes. If not for the faint remaining bubbles, it could almost pass for an aged Bâtard-Montrachet.

This time, I opened a 1983 vintage, and this bottle has been kept perfectly—the fill level is high, with no oxidation. Upon opening, the tertiary aromas were enchanting: toffee, smoky notes, coffee, and a touch of mineral coolness, like standing on a rain-soaked Scottish cliff in the middle of a downpour.

After 30 minutes, secondary aromas emerged, adding layers of complexity: warm brioche and a hint of aged cheese. It felt like the sky had cleared after the rain—like stepping into a Scottish horse ranch, the tones warming up just like the wine’s golden hue, exuding creamy, toasted nuttiness.

Primary fruit aromas were gone, but the interplay of secondary and tertiary notes was already captivating enough. A well-preserved old Champagne like this is always a delightful surprise. I love its golden, diamond-like brilliance, its rich texture, and its perfectly balanced acidity. The more I drank, the more I craved—now I regret not buying an extra bottle. — 3 months ago

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 1996

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Medium lemon , hints of gold , quite a healthy colour with fine pretty persistent bubbles still . This quite intense with candied lemon peel , brioche , oyster shells , touch of porcini . On the palate this is intense ,with good volume and vibrant acidity. Buttered brioche , oyster shell , candied orange and lemon peel . Really quite lovely and intense , long and toasted brioche , chalky finish . This is at peak now , but no rush from here over the next 5 perhaps 10 years . — 6 days ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 12 others liked this

Dom Pérignon

Brut Rosé Champagne 2006

Ericsson

9.5

Love this champagne. — a month ago

Bob, Scott@Mister and 3 others liked this

Dom Pérignon

Oenothèque Millésimé Brut Champagne Blend 1996

Conrad Green

9.7

Oy vey. This is a great bottle. Fresh, complete, beautiful softened fruit and perfectly integrated acidity. Stone and hints of peach. So poised. Just exceptional — 2 months ago