Rutherford
2021 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
- 96 pointsJames Suckling
Bella Union’s first estate-grown, Rutherford-designated Cabernet is a testament to meticulous winemaking techniques and a commitment to excellence. Displaying a gorgeous inky hue in the glass with alluring aromas of blackberry, plum, and fig. Flashy with seductive allure, it unveils a symphony of black currants, black cherries, and figs, further accented by subtle notes of candied blackberry. Supported by an elegant oak framework, this wine’s power is finely balanced, while the addition of 3% Petit Verdot imparts a muscularity that elevates its already impressive structure, leaving a long, lingering finish. Crafted in partnership with Consulting Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.
Rutherford
2021 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Rutherford
2021 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
- 96 pointsJames Suckling
Bella Union’s first estate-grown, Rutherford-designated Cabernet is a testament to meticulous winemaking techniques and a commitment to excellence. Displaying a gorgeous inky hue in the glass with alluring aromas of blackberry, plum, and fig. Flashy with seductive allure, it unveils a symphony of black currants, black cherries, and figs, further accented by subtle notes of candied blackberry. Supported by an elegant oak framework, this wine’s power is finely balanced, while the addition of 3% Petit Verdot imparts a muscularity that elevates its already impressive structure, leaving a long, lingering finish. Crafted in partnership with Consulting Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.
$220
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The Details
Varietal
97% Cabernet Sauvignon
3% Petit Verdot
Aging
French oak barrels (80% new)
Skin Contact
17 days, average
Harvest Dates
September 22 & October 10, 2021
Release Date
Summer 2024
Winemaker
Brooke Bobyak Price
The 2021 drought and mild summer led to small, flavorful grapes, and high-quality wine.
The 2021 growing season began under drought conditions with little winter rain. A dry spring and windy May led to early budbreak and bloom. Mild summer months with few heat spikes allowed slow ripening, resulting in small but intensely flavored grapes. As harvest approached, the quality remained excellent, with vineyard flavor intensity carrying through to the winery. This outstanding season yielded high-quality, flavorful grapes, marking 2021 as a remarkable year for the vineyards.
Belle Epoque Society
Revel in a new kind of Far Niente wine club with Bella Union’s Belle Epoque Society, featuring a members-only lounge that celebrates the ambiance of France’s beautiful era in the heart of Napa Valley’s Rutherford district.
Capturing the elegance of Napa Valley’s historic Rutherford.
Rutherford, blessed with deep, gravelly soils and a mountain face that shades its western reaches from the setting sun, enjoys copious amounts of sunshine, which shapes the bright fruit, silky texture and smooth tannins in Rutherford wines.
Harvested from Bella Union Estate Vineyard
Fanning out around Bella Union Estate Winery, this vineyard is broken into almost a dozen blocks. Each block follows climate-smart farming practices that minimize water use, protect from overexposure to extreme temperatures and promote vine health and fruit integrity while maximizing grapevine health and flavor. The Bella Union Estate Vineyard is a western benchland site with gravelly loam soils that neighbors a protected wetland preserve. Cabernets grown here reward the palate with juicy, red fruit flavors, a polished, silky texture and a compelling cacao powder finish often referred to as “Rutherford Dust.”
96 Points
James Suckling
“From selected rows of the De Carlie portion of the estate vineyard, this plush, luxe and rich wine is a new take on Rutherford-appellated Bella Union cabernet. Rich and ripe black fruits, broad and chocolatey, generous cherry cola and hints of vanilla bean. Thomas Rivers Brown collaborated on this. Drink or hold.”
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