ESF

9.3

one of the more impressive wines i've had from ARG - deep dark golden color, looked slightly oxidized, and a bouquet that vacillated from honeyed florals, to mineral, to exotic perfumed spice, musky, brooding, ripe citrus then orchard fruit - just so multi-layered & oh so engaging, the palate was a bit more focused - solid mid weight w/firm acidic backbone leading to lingering tangy salty finish. can't recall having a Chenin like this - felt like extended skin contact and long lees treatment. — 8 days ago

Anastassia Laskey

9.0

Slightly effervescent, with dried apricots, honeysuckle.... superbly drinkable and a great accompaniment to watching YouTube videos about influencers. — 5 months ago

T

8.9

Fig? Plum? Sea salt. Has the density and richness of a dessert wine, but it isn’t. Strange and good. — 4 years ago

with PFM

Gary Wilson

9.7

Great wine! Strong firm tannins. This is my kind of wine. — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Light straw color. Delicate aromas and flavors of green melon, unripe peaches, white flowers and a light touch of minerality. Nice hint of blanched nuts on the long and crisp finish. Beautifully balanced and fresh. Outstanding value. — 5 months ago

Suzanne Verhulst

9.0

Earthy, natty, bright acidity and tannins, tart cherry, white pepper. Opens up quickly. Very pleasant. — 8 months ago

Nicolas Haunold

9.7

GOAT, even if 2014 is a little too old for this. — 5 years 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! — 3 months ago

Nicholas Cotton

9.1

With Pip at Ephraim's birthday — a year ago

Mike Holzer

9.2

Cherry tobacco nose which carries through on mouth with smooth tannins and clove undertones delicious. Ready now but 5+ years left. 2 bottles leftover — 5 years ago

with Ania