Tree Kilpatrick

9.0

Simple label. Italian class. Very light color. Certainly a rusty edge to it. Looks old. Smells like old wine. Old books and rock cellars. Flavors are complex and strange. Tart with a nice tannic dry streak. Hint of meat. Slightly smoky. This is a classic Nebbiolo. Almost orange in color and filled with zip and tricks inside. — 3 months ago

Peter Sultan

9.2

My 2nd or 3rd tasting, & my love grows: think the fuller, rounder body of Muscadet aged on its lees, & then enter this field blend of Avesso, Arinto, Alvarinho, and Malvasia. So not the green, spritzy Vinho verde of one’s youth. All kinds of white flowers & fruits, w emphasis on the former. Still quite delicate in the mouth but voluminous at same time. Soares importer, who doesn’t mess around. — 2 years ago

Andrea Watt

9.6

Soft tropical fruit and lemon with a touch of pear. Gentle and a touch of yeast — 2 years ago

Andrea Watt

9.2

Lightly fruity and gentle. Pear, citrus, stone, and a touch of yeast. — 3 years ago

Sean Burke

9.2

Diana light red at montage Utah with need Wellington — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

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 months ago

Andrea Watt

9.6

Soft tropical fruit, pineapple, melon, pear, and a hint of nutty. — 3 years ago

Carter White

9.5

Beautifully expressive fruit, complimented by earth and tar. Light and elegant, but vibrant with balanced tannins. — 5 months ago

Keelan Guiley

9.0

Great wine and winemaker from Nieve. Also love her dogs — 6 months ago

with Thy

Victor Hsu

9.0

Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — 2 years ago