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! — 2 months 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

Daniel P. Drake

9.3

Was able to enjoy the 2017 Elvio Cogno Revera Barolo this weekend from Novello, Italy.

On the nose are beautiful notes of cherry, strawberry, plum, floral notes, underbrush, spice, balsamic, menthol and dried earth.

On the palate is lovely cherry notes, strawberry, raspberry, licorice, menthol, brick, tar, minerality and dry earth.

This wine is full bodied with a fresh voluptuous mouthfeel medium + acidity and medium + to high mouthcoating crunchy tannins that smoothly moves into a long red fruit earthy finish. The weekend is almost at end and the week ahead holds optimism, hope and excitement. Let is all be optimistic and please stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 3 years ago

Kland Aida

9.0

Citrus, lemon, mineral, and dry. Good with seafood. July 2025 — 4 months ago

Alberto Cdm

9.1

Acidità leggermente alta — 7 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 — 10 months ago

IdArella Di Luna

9.0

Ottimo novello — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata – Dolcetto Fresco / 2023
Santa Barbara County AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Inspired by Italy’s playful Vino Novello tradition, this is a spirited, fruit-forward expression of Dolcetto made in Santa Barbara County. Produced from 100% estate-grown fruit sourced from the Lucas & Lewellen family’s Los Alamos Valley vineyards, this wine also marks an important milestone for the winery as their first bottling crafted using carbonic maceration. The result is a lively, aromatic, and freshness-driven red that feels immediate and vibrant.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries lead the profile, supported by delicate clove spice and aromatic herbal tones. Juicy fruit character remains at the forefront, balanced by subtle savory nuances that add dimension without weighing the wine down.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and energetic with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. The texture is supple and easygoing, finishing crisp, clean, and irresistibly moreish.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie boards, margherita pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or simple pasta dishes with herbs and olive oil.

Verdict
A joyful, modern take on Dolcetto that prioritizes freshness, drinkability, and charm. Light, expressive, and versatile, this is a red wine built for casual enjoyment while still offering varietal character and balance.

Did You Know?
Carbonic maceration, famously used in Beaujolais, emphasizes primary fruit aromas and freshness while softening tannins—making wines like this ideal for chilling slightly and drinking young. — 4 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