Community Tasting Note

• Cristal2000 wrote: 98 points

  March 30, 2023 - Barrel sample. I'll start by saying in general, I think 2021 is going to be a fabulous vintage. 2022 is going to be hit and miss with the heat spikes, and we all know how 2020 went, so at least for me, this is the vintage to target.
  
  In a word - spectacular! This appears to be on a similar trajectory as 2019. Soaring, gorgeous aromatics with white flowers, black cherry and fragrant earth dominating. On the palate the purity prevails at this early stage, with juicy, deep and stunning fruit concentration. Displaying excellent tension, layers for days and a monster finish, it's clear this wine will compete for best ever from this new label (if super historical vineyard).

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14 Comments

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  3/31/23, 4:59 AM - Big weekend! I cannot wait to see these notes rolling in.

• bsumoba commented:

  3/31/23, 8:59 AM - I'm glad we have CT so we can be a fly on the wall! Keep them coming Cristal and say hi to CSIMM for us!
  
  Bella Oaks is one of the projects I decided I was going to follow and purchase from. I just hope they don't go crazy on the prices like some others have and whom I decided to pass on.

• csimm commented:

  3/31/23, 10:14 AM - My man Cristal2000 is a speedy baller getting out those Bella Oaks tasting notes! … and for good reason. That ‘21 is killer. (And the ‘17 was indeed one of the best ‘17s I’ve ever had as well). I gotta get my butt in gear and post at some point, not that it’s needed, cuz as usual Cristal nails it. Great wines for sure.

• overspeed62 commented:

  4/4/23, 1:34 PM - I'm pumped to be reading these fantastic notes from your trip. Great to meet you all last Friday. I was living vicariously through your Saturday visits! - Bill H

• csimm commented:

  4/4/23, 1:57 PM - Bill!!! I was hoping you'd pop up! It was great to meet you. Sorry we didn't have more time to hang out and talk, especially amongst the goofy ruckus at the restaurant. THANK YOU for your generosity. I really appreciate it. We owe you one (or two) for sure! Hit me up whenever you're back in town. Looking forward to meeting up! (...more tasting notes to come....)

• Cristal2000 commented:

  4/4/23, 2:06 PM - Bill!!!! I echo all CSIMM's comments. That was super generous of you. We definitely need to find time to hang out again!

• overspeed62 commented:

  4/4/23, 3:20 PM - It was a fun dinner and so cool to meet you both. Look forward to doing it again.

• gymnastpro commented:

  4/7/23, 11:47 PM - I need to get out there and meet up with you guys. Sounds like a blast! Awesome you got to taste the 21s so early. Super excited for that vintage in general and especially from bella oaks!

• csimm commented:

  4/8/23, 9:23 AM - 2021 Bella Oaks is awesome.

• gymnastpro commented:

  4/8/23, 9:27 AM - Guess I'm getting another 6er then lol

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  4/8/23, 10:01 AM - Another wine that will need considerable aging to be at it’s best. I complain about these things but continue to buy as if tomorrow is gaurenteed. Current cart is full of 2020 Chave and Clape. God willing my grand children will toast their great grandpa’s wine cellar on Easter Sunday years from now.

• csimm commented:

  4/8/23, 10:07 AM - Chave and Clape are always ready to drink on release....hahahahahahaha...

• MJP Hou TX commented:

  4/8/23, 10:22 AM - 😂 .. you can catch these wines in early drinking windows and they provide considerable enjoyment. Those windows by design happen before release in tasting rooms with memberships. 😉

• gymnastpro commented:

  4/8/23, 11:57 AM - haha. they definitely do need a lot of time. well im still pretty young so here's to hoping I'll be able to drink them!

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