{"api":{"host":"https:\/\/pinot.decanter.com","authorization":"Bearer OTdmYWE1NTAyOTQxY2UyNmVjOTUyODFkNGUyMjFjZmZmNTI3MmQ0OWQ5ZDkyMjczMzBlMmRkNDhjYTViNzBhYg","version":"2.0"},"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"6qv8OniKQO","rid":"RJXC8OC","offerId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","offerTemplateId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","wcTemplateId":"OTOW5EUWVZ4B"}}

PREMIUM

Bella Oaks Vineyard retrospective: A 15-vintage vertical

Commemorating 50 years since the planting of Bella Oaks Vineyard, Bella Oaks, the Napa wine estate, hosted a tasting of 15 vintages from 1976-2021.

For many, the appeal of modern-day Napa Cabernet is found in its unabashed excess. The Napa Valley, after all, is epitomised today by bold, fruity wines with an over-the-top ripeness, alcohol and muscularity.

However, a recent retrospective tasting spanning 50 years of production from Bella Oaks Vineyard was a thrilling reminder that historically, a very different style of Napa Cab existed. And while climates have changed and winemaking styles may shift, beneath the excess, Napa is still a place where wines of grace, transparency and longevity are in production too.


Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for 15 vintages from Bella Oaks Vineyard



The evolution of Bella Oaks in 15 vintages

Wines are listed in vintage order youngest to oldest


Related articles

Harlan Estate: Secrets behind its vine-by-vine approach

Colgin Cellars: the evolution of a cult Napa estate through 14 wines

World’s greatest vineyards: our top 12

Latest Wine News