OAKVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The partners of Napa Valley’s iconic Far Niente winery announce today the introduction of a new sister winery, Bella Union. Specializing in the art of blending Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Bella Union is situated on a 25-acre Cabernet vineyard along the storied Bella Oaks Lane in Rutherford. The inaugural 2012 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, pairs the Rutherford fruit with traditional Bordeaux varietals from carefully selected vineyards throughout the valley. Bella Union is the newest addition to the Far Niente family of wineries, which includes Dolce and Nickel & Nickel in the Napa Valley, and EnRoute in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma.
“Bella Union is the natural next step in our 30-year evolution as Napa Valley Cabernet winemakers,” said Dirk Hampson, director of winemaking. “We’ve combined the lessons learned in blending Far Niente’s Oakville estate vineyards, with an intimate knowledge of the Napa Valley through our single-vineyard Cabernets at Nickel & Nickel, to produce a wine that brings together the best of our extensive experience.”
The name, Bella Union, is a nod to the history of Bella Oaks Lane, which was known as the Bella Union Roadway in the 1880s. At that time, the country lane led into the Mayacamas Mountains and eventually to the Bella Union Mining Company.
The Bella Union vineyard, located along the western bench of the Rutherford appellation, is the cornerstone of the blend. The site is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
“Every winery we’ve created has started with an exceptional piece of ground,” noted Larry Maguire, director. “We have the incredible opportunity to make a wine from Bella Oaks Lane that is a perfect fit within our family of wineries.”
Bella Union Winemaker Megan Melief was assistant winemaker at Nickel & Nickel before taking the helm of Bella Union. Her debut Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, emphasizes exuberant plum and black cherry aromas framed by supple tannins.
The 2012 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, will be priced at $85.00 and will be released in September 2015 in the on-premise segment, with limited retail availability. To learn more, visit www.bellaunionwinery.com or contact the winery at 707-967-9500.
