Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1977)

About this wine

The 1977 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers a complex bouquet of cherries, allspice, cigar smoke, and a touch of cumin, complemented by subtle notes of dried eucalyptus and cedar. On the palate, it is deep and full-bodied, showcasing vibrant cherry and cassis flavors balanced by tangy acidity and well-integrated tannins. This wine has aged gracefully, maintaining its energy and depth over the decades. Notably, Heitz Cellar's practice of avoiding malolactic fermentation contributes to its bright and lively character. The Bella Oaks Vineyard, located in Napa Valley's Rutherford AVA, is renowned for producing elegant, age-worthy wines, and this vintage is a testament to that legacy.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its deep color and robust tannins, has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry. In 1968, Belle and Barney Rhodes planted the 14-acre Bella Oaks Vineyard in Rutherford exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold move at a time when Napa was still finding its identity. Their decision paid off, as the vineyard's grapes were sold exclusively to Heitz Cellar for 34 years, starting with the 1976 vintage. The 1977 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon became a benchmark for Napa's Cabernet renaissance, showcasing the potential of single-vineyard designations.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1977 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its remarkable aging potential, with critics noting its vibrant bouquet and impeccable balance even decades after its release.
• 🌱 Bella Oaks Vineyard, established in 1968 by Belle and Barney Rhodes, was among the pioneers in Napa Valley to plant 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold move that contributed to the region's Cabernet renaissance.
• 🏷️ Heitz Cellar was one of the first Napa Valley wineries to produce single-vineyard designated wines, highlighting the unique characteristics of vineyards like Bella Oaks.
• 🍒 The 1977 vintage of Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its complex aromas, including cherries, allspice, cigar smoke, and eucalyptus, reflecting the distinctive terroir of the Rutherford AVA.
• ⏳ Heitz Cellar's commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, such as aging their Cabernets for extended periods before release, has resulted in wines like the 1977 Bella Oaks that continue to captivate wine enthusiasts with their elegance and longevity.

Palate profile

Producer

Heitz Cellar, established in 1961 by Joe and Alice Heitz, is a pioneering Napa Valley winery renowned for producing the region's first vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon, the iconic Martha's Vineyard. In 2018, the Lawrence family acquired the estate, continuing its legacy of crafting classic wines from organically farmed vineyards. The winery's historic stone cellar, dating back to 1898, reflects its deep roots in Napa's winemaking heritage.