Nose
The 2022 Bella Union Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon begins with enticing aromas of black cherry, cassis, and cedar.
Palate
On the palate, rich flavors of ripe plum, dark chocolate, and hints of vanilla mingle seamlessly with well-integrated tannins, leading to a long, satisfying finish. This wine showcases the classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics with elegance and finesse, promising to evolve beautifully with age.
Growing Conditions
Bella Union was founded by the partners of Far Niente to specialize in the art of blending Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The cornerstone of the blend is our 25-acre vineyard in Rutherford, along Bella Oaks Lane, a country road that was historically called Bella Union. The vineyard is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon in well-drained loam, and the vines range from 20–30 years of age. Classic varietals of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot sourced from select Napa Valley vineyards complete the blend.
The beginning of the 2022 growing season was exceptionally mild, with budbreak kicking off in March. By May, the vines began to demonstrate strong shoot growth and average crop yields ahead of veraison in mid- July. While we welcomed a few heat spikes during the summer months, our proactive approach to vineyard management allowed us to not be negatively impacted and we maintained great quality through heat mitigation preparation, including the use of shade cloths and misting systems, among others. Mild to moderate temps in August created optimal conditions allowing for bright and focused flavors.
Bottling
RELEASE DATE: Summer 2024
Winemaking
FERMENTATION: Stainless Steel (97%) and concrete (3%)
SKIN CONTACT: 19 days, average
WINEMAKER: Brooke Bobyak-Price
Aging
French oak barrels 50% new, 50% neutral
17 months in barrel