2018 Bella Union Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Bella Union is dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, and it comes with a historic pedigree. The 25-acre vineyard on Bella Oaks Lane in Rutherford includes property once associated with the Bella Union Mining Company, a flourishing 19th century operation. In the 20th century the area became one of the most prestigious regions for Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. In 2012 the partners behind Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel founded Bella Union winery, which bills itself as specializing in “the art of blending Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.” Bella Union is owned by the same business partners who own Far Niente, Dolce, EnRoute and Nickel & Nickel.

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.