Bella Oaks Proprietary Red 2019

The 2019 Bella Oaks Proprietary Red Wine is a more than worthy follow up to the fabulous 2018. Proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman crafted a wine that captures all the pedigree of this historic Rutherford site in spades. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry, mocha, blood orange, spice and mint all soar out of the glass as this majestic, statuesque Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its undeniable pedigree. In 2019, Kinsman opted to co-ferment a dollop of Cabernet Franc, a choice that paid off brilliantly. The 2019 is not as potent as the 2018, but instead is all about finesse and elegance. It shows just how refined Napa Valley can be. I only hope I have a chance to taste it as a mature wine. In a word: unforgettable.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has an evocative, savory nose of charcuterie, tapenade and sautéed herbs over a core of warm cassis, damp soil and truffles, plus wafts of ripe plums and raspberry leaves. Medium to full-bodied with lots of tight-knit savory and earthy layers, the fruit is beautifully supported by fantastic freshness and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and minerally. A stunning expression of this very special place! 470 cases were made.

As is common, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a slightly riper, broader wine compared to the focused 2018. Awesome blackcurrants, chocolate, spice, and dried herb notes give way to a full-bodied, velvety textured, utterly seamless 2019 that has a great mid-palate, no hard edges, and a great finish. Drink this beauty over the coming 20-25 years.