Tech Notes
Wine Details
Decanter
Wine Review Online
Wine Enthusiast
James Suckling
By Bella Union Estate Winery
2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard Description
Bella Union, established by the partners of Far Niente, is dedicated to the meticulous craft of blending Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. At its core lies our esteemed Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rutherford estate vineyard, celebrated for its luscious black fruit flavors - currant, cherry, and plum - enhanced by oak spice. This foundation is enriched by classic varietals, including Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, sourced from select Napa Valley vineyards. Merlot adds body and silkiness, Malbec brings rich color and subtle spice, Petit Verdot contributes depth and violet aromatics, while Cabernet Franc lends finesse with a delicate peppery allure. Together, these varietals create an elegant and complex Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Harvest Notes
The 2022 growing season began exceptionally mild, with budbreak kicking off in March. By May, the vines began to demonstrate strong shoot growth and average crop yields ahead of veraison in mid-July. We welcomed a few heat spikes during the summer months. Our proactive approach to vineyard management allowed us to avoid negative impacts and maintain high quality through heat mitigation, including the use of shade cloths and misting systems. Mild to moderate August temps created optimal conditions, allowing for bright, focused flavors.
Wine Details
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietals: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Malbec, 0.5% Petit Verdot
Harvest Date: September 16th to October 13th, 2022
Fermentation Vessel: 97% stainless steel, 3% concrete
Skin Contact: Average of 19 days
Aging: 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% neutral barrels
Release Date: Summer 2024
Winemaker: Brooke Bobyak Price
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Bella Union Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon begins with enticing aromas of black cherry, cassis, and cedar. On the palate, rich flavors of ripe plum, dark chocolate, and hints of vanilla mingle seamlessly with well-integrated tannins, leading to a long, satisfying finish. This wine showcases the classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics of elegance and finesse, promising to evolve beautifully with age.
[Information provided by Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards]
Region
North Coast
Vintage
2022
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Country
United States
Unit Size
1.00 Liter
Alcohol Percentage
14.50
Appellation
Napa Valley
Wine: Bella Union, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 2022
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
Review Date: 01/22/2025
Reviewed By: Jonathan Cristaldi
Tasting Notes: A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Malbec, and 0.5% Petit Verdot, aged for 17 months in 50% new French oak. Bella Union, founded by the partners of Far Niente, focuses on the art of blending Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This 2022 bottling is a standout for its freshness and purity of fruit, maintaining a classic Cabernet character despite the vintage’s intense heat. Beautiful notes of capsicum and green tobacco frame red and black currant fruit, accented by elegant cedar spices. Medium-bodied on the palate, it features suave, velvety tannins and a chocolaty richness, complemented by a lengthy chalky-earthy mineral finish. Savoury nuances of pressed wildflowers, dried herbs, and currant deepen the wine’s richness. A compact, tension-filled wine that captures the essence of the vintage.
Wine: Bella Union Winery, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 11/05/2025
Reviewed By: Roger Morris
Tasting Notes: Bella Union was created by Far Niente in 2012 as its winery on the Napa Valley floor alongside Route 29 in Rutherford, and as a separate label from the mother brand, though not intended to be necessary [sic] secondary in quality. With a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this red was aged in half new, half neutral oak barrels. It is a lively yet serious Cab, with rich, dark blackberry flavors with some dry-leaf savory notes, good acidity and lively tannins, and I come away with the idea that this is a perfect wine to enjoy while sipping through the course of a conversation.
Wine: Bella Union 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 12/31/2024
Reviewed By: Elaine Chukan Brown
Tasting Notes: Savory Italian herbs, sweetened oak spices, and a blend of complex of black fruit aromas are accented by flavors of bright citrus that deliver a Cabernet Sauvignon that make the mouth water. Layers of tannins and a persistent finish make this a juicy and attractive wine.
Wine: Bella Union Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022
Score/Rating: 91
Review Date: 07/24/2024
Reviewed By: Jim Gordon
Tasting Notes: A cool, calm Cabernet from a hot vintage. It’s full-bodied but smooth and almost soft in tannins. The red and black fruit has good concentration and depth, with accents of herbs and olives. Aged in all French barrels with 50% new. Drink now.
