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! — a day ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Martinelli family has been farming in Sonoma County since 1860. Deep Ruby color with aromas of red berry fruit and sweet spices. On the palate ripe cherry and blueberry flavors, with some dried fruit notes, oak, cinnamon spice and cola tones. Fine mouth coating tannins with balanced acidity carry this rich wine to a long finish. Good now will age a bit! — a year ago

Joe Flo

9.0

Different color rosé  — 2 months ago

Marco Rodriguez

9.1

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

Tim Mack

9.1

Great wine at Mama Mia Cochrane for Kirsten’s 49th Birthday — 8 months ago

Big Wave Dave

9.4

Deep ruby. Dark sweet plum, salty and floral. The palate is med-full bodied, med acidity, soft-med tannin. There is a dark savoury element that gives the wine gravitas. Beautiful balance. Power without weight. Powerful and beautiful. — 2 years ago

Runbunny

9.0

Easy drinking red — 3 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

Sándor Jaguar

9.2

So fluffy @ gibsons — 9 months ago

with Sydne, Lynn and 22 others

Brent Clayton

8.9

Threw a few of these in the cellar just to see what would happen. Finally coming into its own in Hour 2. Dark blue black fruits, nice acidity, balanced. Really nice. Great for Sunday pasta and red sauce. — 3 years ago