Teresa Rizzi

Paoletti Estates Winery

Bella Novello Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

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!
— 8 months ago

Ted, Bob and 1 other liked this

Spumanti Spagnol

Nani Rizzi Valdobbiadene Dry Prosecco

Soft tropical fruit, pineapple, melon, pear, and a hint of nutty. — 3 years ago

Rizzi

Barbera d'Alba 2017

Treiso zone of Barbaresco. White marl, clay-calcareous alternated with sand. Southeast exposure. Aged in large oaks, stainless steel and concrete vats for 1.5 years after harvest. Such an elegant Barbera, extremely aromatic boutique of rose, herbs and spices. Beautiful acidity balanced by a plum jammy finish. Delicious! — 6 years ago

Collin-Bourisset

des Hospices Moulin-à-Vent Gamay

Courtesy of Teresa. I don’t normally like Beaujolais but this is nice!! 2014 — 8 years ago

Rizzi

Pajore Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2016

Simple label. Italian class. Very light color. Certainly a rusty edge to it. Looks old. Smells like old wine. Old books and rock cellars. Flavors are complex and strange. Tart with a nice tannic dry streak. Hint of meat. Slightly smoky. This is a classic Nebbiolo. Almost orange in color and filled with zip and tricks inside. — 5 months ago

Dave, Douglas and 1 other liked this

Cecilia Monte

Maria Teresa Barbera d'Alba 2022

Great wine and winemaker from Nieve. Also love her dogs — 9 months ago

Thy Guiley
with Thy

Nani Rizzi

Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze Glera

Soft tropical fruit and lemon with a touch of pear. Gentle and a touch of yeast — 2 years ago

Spumanti Spagnol

Nani Rizzi Ergi Gran Cuvée Extra Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Perera

Lightly fruity and gentle. Pear, citrus, stone, and a touch of yeast. — 4 years ago

Quinta de Santa Teresa

Vinho Verde Avesso

jolly rancher aroma — 6 years ago

Fontana Candida

Santa Teresa Superiore Frascati White Blend 2015

Pineapple and tutti fruti notes. Light in the palate. Whole experience was very nice and the wine topped it. — 7 years ago

Stephen liked this

Vinedos Lacalle y Laorden

Viña El Pison Rioja Tempranillo 2005

Ron R
9.7

With Eric and Teresa from the WNH. Stunning presentation. Lovely nose of cloves, jam compote and cherries. Palate is sublime. All spice, nutmeg, sandalwood and black fruits. Neutral oak and a finish with slightly underripe tannins, which presents in perfect harmony with the acid - outstanding.
A lovely gift from
@Aaron Hamrock. Thank you sooooo much!
— 8 years ago

Eric L.
with Eric
Eric, Paul and 35 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

I love it when friends school me on great wines I have never heard of before. @Aaron Hamrock, the depth and precision of this wine was incredible. 13 years in, this easily has another 25 years of runway ahead of it. Thank you!
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

I just won 3 of the same vintage at auction - I'm thrilled!!!
Eric L.

Eric L. Premium Badge

@Ron R nice win! I know you’ll enjoy them!

Rizzi

Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2014

Diana light red at montage Utah with need Wellington — 6 months ago

Rizzi

Nervo Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2021

Beautifully expressive fruit, complimented by earth and tar. Light and elegant, but vibrant with balanced tannins. — 7 months ago

Tom liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — 2 years ago

Scott@Mister liked this

Château Pilet

Bordeaux Blanc 2020

tbc
9.5

Enjoyed in Coata Rica bought at Tipsy in Santa Teresa — 4 years ago

Eric, Ericsson and 3 others liked this

Galaxy

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

With Jimmy and Teresa — 7 years ago

Vinedos Torreón de Paredes

Santa Teresa Single Don Amado Estate Merlot Cabernet Blend 2012

Fruit with a surprising spicy finish. Thinner than expected but well balanced. — 8 years ago

Villa Teresa

Organic Veneto IGT Merlot 2021

Liked this one a lot. Quite smooth. Not a heavy taste. Around $19.00 CAD in Saskatchewan — 8 years ago