Palate: A bit austere initially with strict red fruit, it’s there but seems a little uptight. A lean strike of graphite throughout, with drying tannin and nicely steeped tea on the finish. With some air, everything drastically loosens up, bringing a familiar hug of welcoming balanced fruits, minerals and tannin.
[Blind tasting info in story]
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But, you can buy 5 for the price of 1...: Red fruits, rasberries and a bit of forest floor. Elegant, simple and striking at the same time, like a simple backless dress on a beautiful woman that at its face looks normal and classic and then as you look at her from different angles, the dress becomes revealing and sexy and you cannot stop looking at her. Enough said, I love this.
Double decanted 13 hrs prior to serving, and it opened up further after about an hour. Medium to deep ruby and dense maroon color. Linen-like floral notes, cedar, and earth on the nose. Dark cherry, dried raspberry, hint of graphite, cocoa powder on the palate with 35-40 sec finish. I am sure will improve with age but it was singing beautifully tonight with and without food. I hesitate when it comes to QPR however…
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Five hour slow ox, followed by one hour decant. Very very deep ruby magenta color. Black cherry, sugar plum, freeze dried raspberry, boysenberry taffy, clove, dark chocolate, and subtle toffee and coffee. Super smooth, dry palate, with dusty acidity. Firm, yet plush, lower intensity tannins on the long finish.
This has impressive complexity and is clearly very well made. With that said, it’s drinking quite youthful (i.e., not fully integrated). A year or two more should have this truly singing. Could be 98+ points when it reaches equilibrium. I enjoyed this preview (drank half of a bottle), but I’d say it’s not yet in it’s true drinking window.
Welcome home (FermentedBeast's Lair): Aromas of dark skinned plums with dark purple flesh and other black fruits with amazing freshness from nice berries. This ends up making the fruits seem less darker than they really are. There's also a brooding, floral earth note as well. Minerals and dried earth round out the gorgeous fruits.
Rich and integrated black red fruits, splotches of powdered graphite for complexity, and dried oak on the palate. Mineral and deep earth for more intrigue on the mid-palate. Finishes with dark minerals and a bit of bitter steeped tea.
Loved the brooding fruit aspect, holding a regal title of class and sophistication (even in this heat!). There’s a certain way the flavors move in this wine that makes it taste and feel so good.
Talk about killing a bottle early. My first thought, what the hell was I thinking!? This is a brut! If tasted blind I never would have guessed 19. Even, after 4 days of slow ox in the bottle the approach hadn't budged. This is a big structured wine that needs to be laid down.
Dark bramble, some baking spice and a wall of oak. I wouldn't even think of touching another for another 5-7 and even then I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't ready.
We took down an 18 last year in Sedona and I think it was more approachable at the time.
Well, this wine can be taken seriously. I’ll explain. Stunning property, amazing art, and estate grown fruit. Abreu's farming practices combined with Nigel's relentless search for perfection in the glass.
Yes, I'm sad to have missed the coming out party in May but I rest easy to a question answered. I attest, this is not a lifestyle brand....cough 🦣 extinct mammoth
19 is just stunning in depth, precision and pleasure. When my bottles arrive they're going to collect the dust they deserve.
Thank you to Martin, Shae & Nige for the red carpet treatment.
Though the 2018 Bella Oaks swept me off my feet on this day (feel free to read my drawn-out jabbering note on that wine if you're bored and have time to burn), the 2019 is an intense spider monkey that initially comes off like a blackberry cobbler grape ape but quickly glides into a super honed and glassy version. The flavor profile is quick to morph as well, pushing more into the dark...DARK red-purple fruit spectrum on the back end. Chocolate chunk and cocoa powder (what some might even call out as the illusive 'Rutherford dust?') dance around and throughout the core of dark purple and black berry flavors, layered further by cassis and red currant undertones. Finishes with some flex, as a tinge of booze creeps up, but is almost immediately burnished off by the textural shellac that is so exquisite on these wines.
In its current state, the 2019 is indeed the 2018 on steroids, but the horse pills are waxed with a fine tannin coating that eases all of the push and power into a perfect glide. Unlike the 2018, the 2019 was more susceptible to temperature influence, with the finish hitting a more horizonal note once it sat in the glass for a bit (90-degree temperature that day). The 2019 has broader shoulders for sure, even if it is perhaps dialed-back a bit in terms of its edging (more sheen on the 2019 than with the 2018, which has the slightest bit of old-school to it over the 2019).
The 2019 is a thrilling wine in the making. Full disclosure: I was at first somewhat pensive about the Bella Oaks release, if nothing else, just because you never know how a rebranding/inaugural/new-cult/next-best-thing project is going to go and how much could be hype and how much is the real deal. Abreu/Rolland/Kinsman is a super keen trifecta of course, and some nice accolades from the usually-strict-often-vexed Galloni never hurts either, but, is it worth it? In a word - Hells-to-the-Yes.
98+ points for the 2019.
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Enjoyed at the Garden Party. As CSIMM mentioned, it was pretty warm out there and it definitely had some effect on the wine. Since my buddy here wrote a book on the wines, I'll spend less time and just highlight few things. The first is that these are about the most polished, suave and sexy wines you could possibly make. They have gorgeous red licorice and dark cherry fruit that just wafts over your palate like silk, with so much flavor and depth. It's very impressive. As for 18 vs 19, the 18 is showing a bit more tension and precision at the moment, while the 19 just shows ridiculous intensity and opulence. The latter is so young that it's hard to say what it will look like with time, but I think these wines follow the vintages, where the 18 is cooler climate, shows immense poise and is possibly the more age worthy of the two. The 19 is a bit more of a "napa" vintage, with fabulous pure fruit in a regal package that brings a smile from ear to ear. It certainly is not lacking structure or acidity, but of the two, it's the more opulent. It is pretty much a toss up for me as to which is best. I'll take both! :)
Napa Trip - Trying new wines and meeting new people; 4/11/2022-4/12/2022 (Napa): Having this next to the '18 was a great comparison. Both very similar but the '19 took the lead initially but fell behind just a bit in the long run. This too had very nice energy and verve, which is a nice change to have in cab blends. This technically didn't "fall behind" but rather the '18 developed a bit more depth and complexity with more time. Therefore, the '18 came out on top for me, not by much though.
Spring 2022 Dream Napa Trip; 4/11/2022-4/12/2022: Showing better than the 18 for me. Very good expression of the 19’ vintage as it felt more approachable now. Softer, more elegant. Great fruit, structure and mouthfeel. I am excited to see how these wines evolve as the vines get older. This vineyard is next door to Greer and not very far from the J.J Cohn Estate (Scarecrow). Hold on to your pants, this project is going to be fun to watch over the next few years.
The second tasting of the day was lunch which Shae Kinsman at Farmstead in St. Helena. In addition to the Kinsman Eades, Shae is also intimately involved with Bella Oaks. I had put in a special request to also taste the Bella Oaks along with the Kinsman needs portfolio, and I am so glad I did as this wine fits in beautifully with Kinsman Eades stellar lineup of wines!
All wines tasted out of what appeared to be 500ml shiner bottles. They were double decanted but total time is unknown. The wines included: 2019 Bella Oaks (98 points) 2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse du Chagrin (98+ points) 2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard (97 points) 2019 Kinsman Eades Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain District (97+ points)
As a disclaimer, I have never rated a wine 100 points. Not because I am opposed to it but because I have not found that wine that has truly blown my socks off yet. However, I would not be surprised if any one of these wines made by Nigel reaches the point ever rarefied air for me in the upcoming years. In my opinion for my palate, All 4 wines tasted above have the ability to reach 100 points. Every wine in this lineup was spectacular true highlight of my trip!
Unfortunately, I don’t have tremendously detailed notes on these wines, as the lunch had a more personable feel than intellectual dissecting wine tasting vibe.
The Bella Oaks nose was of fresh cut flowers red fruits, spice and minerality. The palate was more surprisingly red and blue fruit than I expected and it also had the signature Rutherford dust. There were hints of cocoa and brown spices. The wine came across graceful in and velvety in style with good acidity and a medium to full body.
This wine hit me squarely in my wheelhouse. It was absolutely beautiful and it should age gracefully for several decades to come. The 2018 vintage was the inaugural release and the 2019 vintage already received 100 points from Antonio Galloni. I am not sure if they have a waitlist but I suggest if you are not already on their mailing list you sign up ASAP!
3/17/2024 - WineBurrowingWombat Likes this wine: 97 Points
Blind tasting (5 bottles in $10 - $500 range) (The Sumoba compound): Nose: Dried tree bark and twigs, dried stones, and dark fruits. With some air, the fruits turn a notch more brighter, bringing a delicate freshness. Loving the nuance here.
Palate: A bit austere initially with strict red fruit, it’s there but seems a little uptight. A lean strike of graphite throughout, with drying tannin and nicely steeped tea on the finish. With some air, everything drastically loosens up, bringing a familiar hug of welcoming balanced fruits, minerals and tannin.
[Blind tasting info in story]
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3/17/2024 - bsumoba Likes this wine: 97 Points
But, you can buy 5 for the price of 1...: Red fruits, rasberries and a bit of forest floor. Elegant, simple and striking at the same time, like a simple backless dress on a beautiful woman that at its face looks normal and classic and then as you look at her from different angles, the dress becomes revealing and sexy and you cannot stop looking at her. Enough said, I love this.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
10/12/2023 - Asull2k Likes this wine: 95 Points
Double decanted 13 hrs prior to serving, and it opened up further after about an hour. Medium to deep ruby and dense maroon color. Linen-like floral notes, cedar, and earth on the nose. Dark cherry, dried raspberry, hint of graphite, cocoa powder on the palate with 35-40 sec finish. I am sure will improve with age but it was singing beautifully tonight with and without food. I hesitate when it comes to QPR however…
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8/24/2023 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 95 Points
Five hour slow ox, followed by one hour decant. Very very deep ruby magenta color. Black cherry, sugar plum, freeze dried raspberry, boysenberry taffy, clove, dark chocolate, and subtle toffee and coffee. Super smooth, dry palate, with dusty acidity. Firm, yet plush, lower intensity tannins on the long finish.
This has impressive complexity and is clearly very well made. With that said, it’s drinking quite youthful (i.e., not fully integrated). A year or two more should have this truly singing. Could be 98+ points when it reaches equilibrium. I enjoyed this preview (drank half of a bottle), but I’d say it’s not yet in it’s true drinking window.
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8/20/2023 - WineBurrowingWombat Likes this wine: 98 Points
Welcome home (FermentedBeast's Lair): Aromas of dark skinned plums with dark purple flesh and other black fruits with amazing freshness from nice berries. This ends up making the fruits seem less darker than they really are. There's also a brooding, floral earth note as well. Minerals and dried earth round out the gorgeous fruits.
Rich and integrated black red fruits, splotches of powdered graphite for complexity, and dried oak on the palate. Mineral and deep earth for more intrigue on the mid-palate. Finishes with dark minerals and a bit of bitter steeped tea.
Loved the brooding fruit aspect, holding a regal title of class and sophistication (even in this heat!). There’s a certain way the flavors move in this wine that makes it taste and feel so good.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
3/17/2023 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:
Family trip to Sedona.
Talk about killing a bottle early. My first thought, what the hell was I thinking!? This is a brut! If tasted blind I never would have guessed 19. Even, after 4 days of slow ox in the bottle the approach hadn't budged. This is a big structured wine that needs to be laid down.
Dark bramble, some baking spice and a wall of oak. I wouldn't even think of touching another for another 5-7 and even then I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't ready.
We took down an 18 last year in Sedona and I think it was more approachable at the time.
Don't even look at it.
HOLD!!!
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10/15/2022 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:
Well, this wine can be taken seriously. I’ll explain. Stunning property, amazing art, and estate grown fruit. Abreu's farming practices combined with Nigel's relentless search for perfection in the glass.
Yes, I'm sad to have missed the coming out party in May but I rest easy to a question answered. I attest, this is not a lifestyle brand....cough 🦣 extinct mammoth
19 is just stunning in depth, precision and pleasure. When my bottles arrive they're going to collect the dust they deserve.
Thank you to Martin, Shae & Nige for the red carpet treatment.
Bravo Team Bella O!
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5/16/2022 - csimm wrote: 98 Points
2018/2019 Bella Oaks side-by-side @ Bella Oaks Garden Party.
Though the 2018 Bella Oaks swept me off my feet on this day (feel free to read my drawn-out jabbering note on that wine if you're bored and have time to burn), the 2019 is an intense spider monkey that initially comes off like a blackberry cobbler grape ape but quickly glides into a super honed and glassy version. The flavor profile is quick to morph as well, pushing more into the dark...DARK red-purple fruit spectrum on the back end. Chocolate chunk and cocoa powder (what some might even call out as the illusive 'Rutherford dust?') dance around and throughout the core of dark purple and black berry flavors, layered further by cassis and red currant undertones. Finishes with some flex, as a tinge of booze creeps up, but is almost immediately burnished off by the textural shellac that is so exquisite on these wines.
In its current state, the 2019 is indeed the 2018 on steroids, but the horse pills are waxed with a fine tannin coating that eases all of the push and power into a perfect glide. Unlike the 2018, the 2019 was more susceptible to temperature influence, with the finish hitting a more horizonal note once it sat in the glass for a bit (90-degree temperature that day). The 2019 has broader shoulders for sure, even if it is perhaps dialed-back a bit in terms of its edging (more sheen on the 2019 than with the 2018, which has the slightest bit of old-school to it over the 2019).
The 2019 is a thrilling wine in the making. Full disclosure: I was at first somewhat pensive about the Bella Oaks release, if nothing else, just because you never know how a rebranding/inaugural/new-cult/next-best-thing project is going to go and how much could be hype and how much is the real deal. Abreu/Rolland/Kinsman is a super keen trifecta of course, and some nice accolades from the usually-strict-often-vexed Galloni never hurts either, but, is it worth it? In a word - Hells-to-the-Yes.
98+ points for the 2019.
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5/15/2022 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 98 Points
Enjoyed at the Garden Party. As CSIMM mentioned, it was pretty warm out there and it definitely had some effect on the wine. Since my buddy here wrote a book on the wines, I'll spend less time and just highlight few things. The first is that these are about the most polished, suave and sexy wines you could possibly make. They have gorgeous red licorice and dark cherry fruit that just wafts over your palate like silk, with so much flavor and depth. It's very impressive. As for 18 vs 19, the 18 is showing a bit more tension and precision at the moment, while the 19 just shows ridiculous intensity and opulence. The latter is so young that it's hard to say what it will look like with time, but I think these wines follow the vintages, where the 18 is cooler climate, shows immense poise and is possibly the more age worthy of the two. The 19 is a bit more of a "napa" vintage, with fabulous pure fruit in a regal package that brings a smile from ear to ear. It certainly is not lacking structure or acidity, but of the two, it's the more opulent. It is pretty much a toss up for me as to which is best. I'll take both! :)
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4/23/2022 - watcheslover Does not like this wine: 91 Points
I don't no if i am a fan? This is a "Parker's Wine". I think it has too much of everything except finesse and subtlety (89-94????)
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4/11/2022 - WineBurrowingWombat Likes this wine: 97 Points
Napa Trip - Trying new wines and meeting new people; 4/11/2022-4/12/2022 (Napa): Having this next to the '18 was a great comparison. Both very similar but the '19 took the lead initially but fell behind just a bit in the long run. This too had very nice energy and verve, which is a nice change to have in cab blends. This technically didn't "fall behind" but rather the '18 developed a bit more depth and complexity with more time. Therefore, the '18 came out on top for me, not by much though.
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4/11/2022 - bsumoba Likes this wine: 98 Points
Spring 2022 Dream Napa Trip; 4/11/2022-4/12/2022: Showing better than the 18 for me. Very good expression of the 19’ vintage as it felt more approachable now. Softer, more elegant. Great fruit, structure and mouthfeel. I am excited to see how these wines evolve as the vines get older. This vineyard is next door to Greer and not very far from the J.J Cohn Estate (Scarecrow). Hold on to your pants, this project is going to be fun to watch over the next few years.
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3/9/2022 - JustBreathe680 Likes this wine: 98 Points
The Great Escape; 3/8/2022-3/9/2022 (Napa): Great Escape to Napa: 2 day getaway with my dad (3/8/22-3/9/22)
The second tasting of the day was lunch which Shae Kinsman at Farmstead in St. Helena. In addition to the Kinsman Eades, Shae is also intimately involved with Bella Oaks. I had put in a special request to also taste the Bella Oaks along with the Kinsman needs portfolio, and I am so glad I did as this wine fits in beautifully with Kinsman Eades stellar lineup of wines!
All wines tasted out of what appeared to be 500ml shiner bottles. They were double decanted but total time is unknown. The wines included:
2019 Bella Oaks (98 points)
2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse du Chagrin (98+ points)
2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard (97 points)
2019 Kinsman Eades Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain District (97+ points)
As a disclaimer, I have never rated a wine 100 points. Not because I am opposed to it but because I have not found that wine that has truly blown my socks off yet. However, I would not be surprised if any one of these wines made by Nigel reaches the point ever rarefied air for me in the upcoming years. In my opinion for my palate, All 4 wines tasted above have the ability to reach 100 points. Every wine in this lineup was spectacular true highlight of my trip!
Unfortunately, I don’t have tremendously detailed notes on these wines, as the lunch had a more personable feel than intellectual dissecting wine tasting vibe.
The Bella Oaks nose was of fresh cut flowers red fruits, spice and minerality. The palate was more surprisingly red and blue fruit than I expected and it also had the signature Rutherford dust. There were hints of cocoa and brown spices. The wine came across graceful in and velvety in style with good acidity and a medium to full body.
This wine hit me squarely in my wheelhouse. It was absolutely beautiful and it should age gracefully for several decades to come. The 2018 vintage was the inaugural release and the 2019 vintage already received 100 points from Antonio Galloni. I am not sure if they have a waitlist but I suggest if you are not already on their mailing list you sign up ASAP!
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