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! — 5 days ago

Mark S.

9.1

Black fruits, concentrated, leather, earth, gentle tannins. Balanced acidity. CP high value. Chianti Classico Castellare di Castellina 19 @11000, A Novello, 240701 — a year ago

Riccardo Arrigoni

8.9

Ha peso di freschezza. Ma rimane godibile — 4 years ago

Kland Aida

9.0

Citrus, lemon, mineral, and dry. Good with seafood. July 2025 — 2 months ago

Alberto Cdm

9.1

Acidità leggermente alta — 5 months ago

Mark S.

9.0

Black fruits, concentrated, fruity. Slight bitter. CP high value. 9.0 for this 10 years vintage. 14 @11000, A Novello, 240701 — a year ago

Carlo Maria Rossotto

8.9

Nice Barbera d’Alba from Massolino di Serralunga. Paired it with snails. Had it with Davide, mom and dad in Novello d’Alba — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata – Dolcetto Fresco 2023 🍒🌿
Santa Barbara County, California – USA

Inspired by Italy’s playful Vino Novello, this is a spirited, fruit-forward take on the classic Dolcetto — 100% estate-grown from the Lucas & Lewellen Family’s Los Alamos Valley Vineyards. It also marks a milestone: their very first wine crafted with carbonic maceration. This winemaking approach locks in vivid aromatics and freshness, making every sip feel alive.

On the palate: a joyful rush of ripe cherries 🍒, delicate clove spice, and aromatic herbs 🌿, balancing juicy fruitiness with subtle savory depth. The finish? Refreshingly crisp and irresistibly moreish.

Style tip: Serve lightly chilled — this is your new red for summer afternoons, picnics, and casual evenings on the patio.
A delicious reminder that Dolcetto can be both fun and elegant. 🥂 — 3 months ago

Mark S.

9.0

Transparent cherry red. 3 hours decanting, still solid. But getting showing up it’s power. Good black fruits aroma. Elegant 20 @13000, A Novello, 250228 — 8 months ago

IdArella Di Luna

9.0

Ottimo novello — 2 years ago