
A "towering achievement" for a debut estate vintage. A masterclass in Rutherford precision.
Aged 31 months in French oak barrels (70% new), then aged in bottle for an additional year before release
Rutherford is perhaps our favorite Napa sub-region, mostly for the elegance and opulence of the wine it produces. This wine stands up well to those stalwarts as it balances power and elegance with a core of crushed blackcurrants, violets, and graphite. With its lush texture and sophisticated structure, it captures the essence of the region while also promising decades of cellar potential. A true gem!
The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with expanding notions of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh, ripe blackberries and preserved black cherries with suggestions of iron ore, garrigue and dusty soil plus a waft of black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with tons of black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. A highly energetic wine with an amazing array of bright sparks—this is an absolute jaw-dropper!
A majestic, totally riveting wine, the 2018 Bella Oaks Proprietary Red Wine soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. The 2018 reveals layer after layer of complexity with time in the glass in a stunning display of that is hard to fully describe. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herb and floral notes build into the sensual, utterly riveting finish. This is a mind-blowing debut from proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Wow!!