Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with complex flavors of black cherry, tea leaf, and delicate tannins.
About this wine
The 1986 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers a remarkable tasting experience. On the nose, it presents aromas of black cherry, freshened by hints of green leaf and bramble. The palate is etched with notes of tea leaf and delicate, charry tannins, showcasing a keen balance and enduring structure. This wine highlights the enduring quality of Napa's 1986 vintage, with the power to hold for another decade or more.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and robust tannins, thrives in Napa Valley's climate, producing wines with deep color and aging potential. Heitz Cellar, established in 1961, was among the pioneers in Napa to showcase single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, emphasizing the unique characteristics of specific sites. The Bella Oaks Vineyard, located in the Rutherford AVA, became a notable source for Heitz's Cabernet Sauvignon starting in 1976, contributing to the winery's reputation for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1986 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its remarkable aging potential, with critics noting its ability to develop complex flavors over decades.
- 🍇 This wine hails from the Bella Oaks Vineyard in Napa Valley's Rutherford AVA, an area celebrated for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
- 🍒 The 1986 vintage is noted for its structured profile, featuring flavors of black cherry, tea leaf, and delicate tannins, contributing to its enduring appeal.
- 🏞️ Heitz Cellar, established in 1961, was a pioneer in single-vineyard designations, highlighting the unique characteristics of vineyards like Bella Oaks.
- ⏳ The 1986 Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon has been praised for its balance and longevity, with some bottles still offering vibrant flavors and complexity even after several decades.
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.
