A Visit to Bella Oaks

This appointment was one of the first that I scheduled for this trip for multiple reasons. First, we have been purchasing since the inaugural release, secondly we had met Martin Repicky, Director of Private Clients, during his visit to Chicago last year and enjoyed our dinner with him then, and lastly, to see the estate itself, including the art installations which proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth has brought to the property.

Our appointment began at the estate on Bella Oaks Lane as we were greeted by Martin with glasses of bubbly. We walked past a few rows of vines as Martin pointed out sections of the vineyard and walked us through some of the replanting and plans moving forward. As we moved toward the house, we spent some time around each of the art installations on the property. I am not well-versed on this subject, nor do I typically seek out art or to endeavor to learn more, but on this occasion, I found myself every bit as interested in the art and artists as I did the wine and vineyards. This is no doubt partly due to Martin's knowledge and presentation, but largely to Suzanne's vision and seemingly having every installation in exactly the right place. To describe the design and beauty of the property is difficult, so I won't make the attempt as I'd certainly come up short. The experience is well worth the tasting fee, which was waived for us and active clients.

As an aside, though to treat it as such is a mistake, the estate is lined by a few varities of olive trees, from which an estate olive oil is produced. It has become our house olive oil and we use it for everything, most often in lieu of a dressing for salads. Do not miss out on this olive oil, offered in three-packs, I believe, in the spring. In fact, we use so much of this olive oil that we purchase six bottles at each release, and are usually replenished just in time.

After the tour at the estate, we made the quick drive to Wheeler Farms, a recent acquisition by Suzanne, and one she'll not regret. An impressive layout, with garden boxes in front of the hospitality center and a compact, yet efficiently planned wine making facility. After a brief tour of the facility we sat down to taste through the lineup. As we had already tasted most of these, this visit was about seeing the property and facilities and connecting more so than actually tasting the wines...which are an added bonus. All showed beautifully.

• 2022 Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Le Génie 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  Decanted twenty to thirty minutes. Opens with notes of plum and currant liqueur, quite forward and fruit-driven in terms of the bouquet. Full-bodied with fine, elegant tannins and flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and black currant confiture. As this opens in the glass over another 30+ minutes it develops a nice savory herbal edge which I find appealing. 80% sauvignon, 11% franc and 9% petit verdot from the estate's younger vines.
  
  There is nothing weak or missing from this '22 which more than held its own in this line up. A very impressive wine from a lesser year.

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• 2017 Bella Oaks Vineyard Proprietary Red 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  The 2017 continues to impress. 88% sauv, 11% franc and 1% petit verdot, aged for 21 months in French oak, 70% new.
  
  Beautiful black and purple fruit notes highlight the bouquet, with pretty floral and savory herbal undertones adding nuance. Here again, tannins are fine and elegant, giving backbone to black cherry and cassis flavors. With air this develops a red fruit quality. Warm spice elements linger on the finish. Of the handful of Bella Oaks Vineyard's wines I have tasted, the '17 continues to be my favorite, no doubt that extra little bit of age helping to soften the tannin and provide that extra little bit of nuance.

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• 2021 Bella Oaks Vineyard Proprietary Red 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  93% sauv, 4% franc and 3% petit verdot aged for 22 months in French oak, 70% new. Decanted 45-60 minutes by this point. A beautiful wine with black currant fruit and lavender notes taking on a blue fruit edge with air. Very classy. Full-bodied with fine, sweet tannins and flavors of black fruit, Indian spices and plum with a hint of blueberry. Wonderful concentration but with tension as well, it does not come across as heavy or overdone. Flat out gorgeous, and needing only time in the cellar to really show off...say from 2030+.

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• 2021 Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Le Génie 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  Our third time with this wine in 10 months, and no, I don't mind because, "it's a beaut, Clark." The first iteration of this label, made from the youngest fruit of the estate, available due to replanting portions of the vineyard. A blend comprised of 80% sauvignon with 10% each franc and petit verdot. Deep youthful color with notes of red and blue fruit, vanilla and mocha. Full-bodied and rich, with flavors of spice, red plum and something of a cross between mulberry and pomegranate...that's about the closest I can get to describing the profile. Here again, the wine is balanced, with fine tannin and acid supporting the fruit.

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Thank you, Martin, for your continued hospitality, professionalism and generosity. We are already looking forward to our next visit.