Bella Oaks Le Génie Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2022

Our sources whispered early details of this project years ago, and for obvious reasons, we were profoundly intrigued. Anyone familiar with the legendary Napa Valley vineyard, Bella Oaks, is conscious of its pedigree and contribution to recognition and excellent wine history. If the name does not ring a bell, let us introduce you to one of the most revered vineyards in Napa Valley’s history. In the early 1960s, Barney & Belle Rhodes moved to Napa Valley and purchased a parcel of land in Oakville. After tearing out the overgrown prune orchard, they planted 12 acres of vines. Before the vineyard fruited, the Rhodes sold the property to Martha and Tom May and headed back to San Francisco. Those vines would go on to be renamed Martha’s Vineyard and make the acclaimed Heitz Cellars Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet. A short time passed, and the Rhodes returned to Rutherford, where they planted a second vineyard of Cabernet – Bella Oaks. Barney & Belle invested in Heitz Cellars and sold the Bella Oaks Cabernet to Joe Heitz for many years. Their legacy was not only for growing outstanding Cabernet grapes but genuine hospitality and devotion to sharing the world of wine (and their 10,000-bottle cellar) with so many others.

When the Bella Oaks vineyard was acquired in 2010 by Suzanne Deal Booth, a supporter of cultural heritage projects and the arts, the community breathed a sigh of relief. We now knew the esteemed property would be honored for all it has been and can be in this new chapter. So, we patiently waited as Deal Booth assembled the right team to pay tribute to this prized parcel. The new steward’s vision was to coax the epitome of expression from these vines and to do so; she needed the best in the business. She brought in Nigel Kinsman, winemaker, Michel Rolland, international master blender, and David Abreu, vineyard manager - an indisputable golden trilogy in Napa Valley winegrowing.