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! — 21 days ago

Marco Rodriguez

9.1

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

Seth Masterson

9.0

Great spiced fruit aromas- like a pot of cherries stewing in mulling spices. Good balance. Also carries that pheromone odor that I pick up in many good Italian wines. — 3 years ago

Benjamin Parker

9.0

Really nice. Warm, dark fruits on the nose. Little bit of spice. Medium body. Bright red and dark fruits with spices. Medium tannins. Really nice. My rating: 4/5 — 8 days ago

Chris Zitzman

9.1

Mostly Grenache, this blend also brings Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan to the glass. Light and bright red fruits on the nose open gracefully onto the palate. Although from Provence, the Les Beaux de Provence comes across more like a Cote du Rhone that’s easy to talk to. It’s a graceful & tasteful little find, south of $20. — 2 months ago

Sándor Jaguar

9.2

So fluffy @ gibsons — 10 months ago

with Sydne, Lynn and 22 others

David Hale Smith

9.4

Apple lemon custard with fine bubbles and a dry finish. Interesting delight pairing with duck! — 5 days ago

Angelo Casagrande

8.9

Natural wine. Effervescent, bit of barnyard on the nose; citrus and a pleasant yeasty taste. Refreshing and fun to drink before dinner. Light alcohol- 11%. Be better on a hot day. — a month ago

Hessel Idema

9.5

Amazing complex red wine! — 3 months 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! — 2 years ago