2021 Favia 'Cerro Sur' Proprietary Red Napa Valley
The 2021 Cerro Sur captures the intensity of the vintage. It was the second year in a multi- year drought in California, so the vines produced a limited crop of very expressive fruit. The Cabernet Franc from this high elevation site delivered a wine with strong varietal character, showing notes o f licorice, cardamom, Asian market spices, and bright red cherry. Around this core, we blended Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds mid - palate weight and a black fruit density, and Merlot, which brings freshness and roundness. Coming up on two decades of experience making this wine from these old vines, w e know the aging trajectory of this wine: it will only continue to become more complex and alluring with time in the bottle.
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.
Jeb Dunnuck
Mostly Cabernet Franc from a higher elevation site i n Coombsville (there's 3 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1 3% Merlot), the 2021 Cerro Sur i s a stunningly beautiful wine offering ripe red and black fruits supported b y plenty o f chocolate, ripe tobacco, and crushed stone-like minerality. It's full- bodied and has remarkable concentration, ripe, building tannins, and a layered, majestic style that would give a top vintage o f Cheval Blanc a run for its money. Give this incredible red blend 3 -4 years i n the cellar, and i t will have over two decades o f prime drinking
Vinous
The 2021 Cerro Sur i s bright, aromatic and beautifully focused right out o f the gate. Cabernet Franc drives the profile i n this intensely aromatic, layered red . Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mocha, rose petals and blood orange lend notable vibrancy. The Cerro Sur i s the most restrained o f the Favia reds, but i t has a ton o f pure pedigree.
James Suckling
Black berry, black olive and bark a s well a s dark fruits. Some mint and crushed stone. Medium t o full body, juicy and velvety texture with lovely layering and depth . A brightness and citrus character behind all the earth and fruit notions.