2021 Favia Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
This wine shows dark, brooding notes of blackberry, cassis, and sun - drenched soil, along with delicate notes of baking spices and bay laurel . On the palate, the entry is narrow and precise, then almost immediately the impression expands and becomes mouth -filling and rich, leading to a long, powerful finish . The tannins are sleek but muscular, indicating a long life ahead in the cellar.
You simply can’t make great wine without great grapes. Viticulturist Annie Favia learned this firsthand working for David Abreu for many years. Working with Abreu, she helped to plant Screaming Eagle. And of course this was after she studied winemaking with the likes of John Kongsgaard and Cathy Corison. Annie’s husband, Andy Erickson, is one of the most accomplished winemakers working in Napa right now. A valley resident since 1994, and a full time consultant since 2011, Erickson is currently leading the revitalization of Mayacamas Vineyards, and has worked for no less than Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Staglin, Dalla Valle, and Arietta. That’s about as good as an American winemaker’s resume can get. It’s hard to think of a more accomplished dream team working in the Valley right now. And they’re under one roof at their historic family home and cellar in Coombsville. Annie and Andy produce flawless, exquisitely crafted wines that are sold primarily to their mailing list and to restaurants.
James Suckling
Lots of lead pencil, blackberry, pine needle and some resin. Full-bodied, yet tight and focused, with tight, velvety tannins. Bitter chocolate and some toasted oak. Pepper, too.
Wine Spectator
Pure and focused, with a beam of cassis, red cherry and damson plum driving through, flanked with violet and anise and supported by a sleek, iron-tinged spine. This has a great encore of fruit, with subtle mint and loam echoes at the very end. Best from 2023.
Wine Advocate
Grown in the eastern hills of the AVA, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville combines elegant notions of cassis, blueberries and pencil shavings. Sourced from the Oakville Ranch, it's medium to full-bodied, richly structured and concentrated without being hard, ripe without being soft. In short, it's a classic Cabernet and one that also finishes long and velvety. Best After 2025