2018 Bella Oaks Vineyard, Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP98+ "The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with expanding notions of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh, ripe blackberries and preserved black cherries with suggestions of iron ore, garrigue and dusty soil plus a waft of black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with tons of black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. A highly energetic wine with an amazing array of bright sparks—this is an absolute jaw-dropper!" LPB for TWA Jan 2021

AG98 "A majestic, totally riveting wine, the 2018 Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. The 2018 reveals layer after layer of complexity with time in the glass in a stunning display that is hard to fully describe. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herb and floral notes build into the sensual, utterly riveting finish. This is a mind-blowing debut from proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Wow!!" AG for VM Jan 2021

JD98 "I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a remarkably complex, elegant wine that has so much to love. Cassis, black cherries, hints of black olive, chocolate, and ripe tobacco all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with a concentrated, multi-dimensional character offering beautiful tannins and a great finish. Coming from a tiny site in Rutherford (east of Staglin) that was made famous by Joe Heitz’s single vineyard releases, this world-class beauty is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was aged in 70% new oak. It’s approachable today yet I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years if well stored. Nigel Kinsmen has been the winemaker here starting in 2017." JD Dec 2023

Lisa Perrotti-Brown for TWA writes, "While the Bella Oaks vineyard in Rutherford has a lot of history, formerly selling fruit to famous wineries such as Heitz and Staglin, it is only now being launched as a producer in its own right. Since acquiring the vineyard in 2010, Suzanne Deal Booth has set about rehabilitating the vineyard with the help of David Abreu. More recently, Nigel Kinsman—winemaker at Accendo and his own Kinsman Eades label—has come on board as winemaker with Michel Rolland consulting. Talk about a dream team! While I tasted some very promising 2017 barrel-sample components last year, this 2018 in bottle truly launches the new face of this vineyard treasure straight into stardom. Production is still tiny at this stage—only 324 cases of the 2018—but with new plantings in the pipeline, it could be well worth getting on board when this is released in Fall 2021 and staying on board!" Published: Jan 29, 2021