Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days; better after an hour of air and best on Day 2 but held up well through Day 3. The 2017 pours a pale garnet with transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of bright red brambles, rose bushes, alpine herbs, rocky earth and a wonderfully balanced combination of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Remarkable stuff. Drink now through 2037. Thanks for the assist @Lyle Fass — 3 days ago

Keanna Hogan

10

I really enjoyed this wine. It was the bottle that introduced me to wine drinking. A nice beginner one for me at least. — 6 months ago

Todd Bass Clark

10

this wine is so sweet and easy to drink. obsessed — 7 months ago

Christian Fischer

9.2

Well that was a weird bottle. Smelled amazing and tasted very off, no TCA or anything like it, difficult to describe. It had a layer of very tart tannin-like overlaying flavor that was not good. Left it open for 24 hours and it was much improved. After 48 hours it was a nice bottle of CA cab. Clearly something off with this bottle and the 9.2 rating is a 9.1 from day 3 and some add for ‘not typical’. I had high hopes for this wine and don’t think I have had a fair sampling of it — 4 days 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

MysticMtnMama

10

Never disappoints! Wonderful alternative to champagne. — 7 months ago

Charlie Tapp

9.0

Red fruit and forest floor. Underwhelming, but tough vintage. — 16 days ago

Sándor Jaguar

9.0

Possibly a potential go to medium $ Pinot noir. Can't think of what is better except for stuff we have equity in — a month ago

with Sydne, Ryan and 22 others

Marco Rodriguez

9.1

Well balanced wine. Dark fruit with really nice lingering spice and tannins. — 7 months ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.4

So freaking good, the first version of the NV 4-5 years from release. The "hype" is real, just make sure you give Stella's wines time to do their thing! — 7 months ago