Gabriella

Paoletti Estates Winery

Piccolo Cru Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2021

Piccolo Cru’ – Red Blend – Vintage 2021
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An Italian-inspired Bordeaux blend crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Gabriella Gazano, who has guided the estate for over 25 years. This cuvée unites 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that marries the structural power of Bordeaux varietals with Mediterranean elegance and Napa Valley ripeness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant layers of dark cherries, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cocoa, and a whisper of dried herbs. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice from the oak complete the aromatic tapestry.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful. Firm, polished tannins give structure while a velvety mid-palate carries richness and depth. The finish is persistent, balancing dark fruit with savory spice.

Food Pairings
Made for hearty and soulful fare: osso buco, braised short ribs, Tuscan ribollita, or grilled ribeye. A natural partner for Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize flavor and tradition.

Verdict
Piccolo Cru’ is a harmonious bridge between Old World refinement and New World power. Structured, soulful, and deeply satisfying, it captures both the strength of Napa terroir and the finesse of Italian winemaking artistry.

Did You Know?
Calistoga, the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, is famed for its volcanic soils and hot days cooled by evening breezes. These extremes allow Bordeaux varietals to develop ripeness and structure in equal measure, ideal for blends like Piccolo Cru’.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle sings of duality: a Tuscan heart wrapped in Napa muscle. It’s soulful, elegant, and powerful, a wine I’d revisit for its depth, story, and sense of place.
— a day ago

Ted liked this

Gabriella

Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio

Nice Pinot Grigio that tastes more bubbly than I would expect. Excellent on a hot day — 5 years ago

Souverain

North Coast Petite Sirah 1975

With Gabriella, Andrew, Mom.... 1975 after sending back a corked wine. Amazing at Berns — 7 years ago

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Yelloween Brut Champagne Blend

Gabriella and Andrew flew in to see the musical where I played Jack when calls the heart it was May 3. My mother was there as well was not my best show, but this champagne certainly made up for it with their presence.  — 5 months ago

Voliero

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2016

Drinking with Gabriella Andrew and mom before thanksgiving I don’t remember the date — 2 years ago

Vietti

Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d'Asti 2020

Confrérie de la Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs, Bailliage d'Albany; 8 August 2021 at Yono's, Albany, NY

Dessert
Chef Gabriella O'Neil's Tropical Pavlova | "Pavlova Mangga & Macadamia"
Meringue | Mango Coulis | Chantilly | Macadamia Chili Crunch
— 4 years ago

Dawn, Pooneet and 26 others liked this
Ming L

Ming L

Glad to see that you gave high mark for 20’ vintage too.

Palmaz Vineyards

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Exceptional red! Enjoyed with Gabriella, Zoila and Mom — 2 years ago

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Drinking with Gabriella and Zoila and Mom during Thanksgiving! Delightfully crisp and not too sweet at all. Great wine. — 2 years ago

Et Fille

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Love Et fille Pinots and this is a special one! — 2 years ago

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very yummy getting fucked up on a tuesday with zoie and gabriella and we all have class tomorrow yay! — 6 years ago