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! — 7 days ago

Donald Williams

9.4

Classic example of a well-made Mencia. — 4 months ago

with Bonnie

Nolan Berlin

9.0

A lot going on here, but the complexity is balanced. Stone fruit and lemon with a notable orange wine funkiness.

Think it might even be better a few days after opening. — 13 days ago

Marco Rodriguez

9.1

Well balanced wine. Dark fruit with really nice lingering spice and tannins. — 4 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! — 4 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.8

Well, glad I kept this for another 6 years to see how it evolved. Cork was in amazing shape. Brick red. Almost tawny in glass. Dried flowers and herbs on the nose. Not a lot of fruit on the nose. Palate is more dried flowers, roses, leather, the faintest touch of pouch tobacco, plums, dried fig, maybe persimmon. It dries the mouth with tannin and acidity. Definitely secondary flavors starting. Probably the best wine deal I’ve ever had for this type of quality. Wish I had one more to try in 2028. — 9 months ago

Sarah McKellar

9.0

Legs, grape forward, full bodied, berry, tannins — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of equal amounts of local red grapes; Caino, Espadeiro and Loueiro, Ruby red color with aromas of red fruits, herb, floral and cigar box notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with tobacco, oak and garden herbs. Medium+ finish, chalky tannins, savory, ending with herbs, spice, cedar and slight fruit, savory. Nice, will continue to age. — 3 months ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry, currant and oak. Light-bodied and soft tannins. — 4 months ago

Sándor Jaguar

9.2

So fluffy @ gibsons — 9 months ago

with Sydne, Lynn and 22 others