2018 Favia ‘Cerro Sur’ Red Blend Napa Valley

JD97 More meaty notes of red and black currants, mulled cherries, tobacco, roasted herbs, and chocolate emerge from the 2018 Cerro Sur, and this beauty brings full-bodied richness, plenty of mid-palate depth, and building tannins on the palate. This rich, meaty, expansive, beautifully textured 2018 has plenty of up-front appeal yet should benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years in cold cellars.
VIN96+ A brooding wine, the 2018 Cerro Sur is decidedly dark and potent in feel. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, licorice and cloves all add to its inward, virile personality. I imagine the 2018 will be superb in another few years, but I also imagine it will always be a rather somber wine. Time in the glass does wonders, but I would plan on a few years of cellaring.
Estate Notes: Rancho Chimiles, the classic California ranch high in the mountains east of Coombsville, is the home of the Cabernet Franc at the core of our perennially impressive blended red wine, CERRO SUR. These mature vines, in this very special terroir, produce a wine of singular character, aromatic enthusiasm, and fresh, focused flavors. The vines consistently produce wines of power, energy, balance and complexity. For us, the higher the percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend, the more exciting the vintage. In great vintages in Napa Valley, Cabernet Franc can deliver a transcendent tasting experience. With this in mind, 2018 rates at the top. 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 340 cases produced