The 2021 Bella Union presents a luscious nose of ripe black cherry, plum, strawberry, opulent berry compote and cassis. The entry is rich and inviting with succulent flavors reminiscent of cherry pie.

The palate builds to trademark Rutherford dust mingled with chewy tannins, offering a mouth-filling, integrated texture, as hints of baking spices linger on a beautiful finish.

Located in Rutherford along Bella Oaks Lane—hallowed ground for Napa Valley Cabernet—the 25-acre Bella Union Vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small portion devoted to Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This western bench location offers an ideal combination of cool evenings and warm afternoons, which, in turn, allows the grapes to ripen fully and evenly. The site’s well-draining, gravelly loam soil plays an equally important role, contributing to the signature character of the vineyard. The fruit is intense, beautifully proportioned and complex with aromatic ripe plum, black cherry and currant flavors.

• 96 James Suckling

  From selected rows of the De Carlie portion of the estate vineyard, this plush, luxe and rich wine is a new take on Rutherford-appellated Bella Union cabernet. Rich and ripe black fruits, broad and chocolatey, generous cherry cola and hints of vanilla bean. Thomas Rivers Brown collaborated on this.

• 95 Tasting Panel

  Fresh and exciting, with ripe black cherry forming a creamy base. Teeth-gripping, tongue-coating tannins soon relax and reveal peppered plum, sweet tobacco, and baking spices. Delicious, with an abundance of heart, the wine saturates the palate with cedar and mocha on the finish.

• 91 Jeb Dunnuck

  A good value from the team of Far Niente, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, all of which was raised in 50% new oak. This deep purple-hued, medium to full-bodied effort has pretty cassis and violet aromatics, a round, supple mouthfeel, some building tannins, and outstanding length. It's impeccably made and undeniably delicious.