Favia - Cerro Sur Napa Valley Red Wine 2019 (750ml)
Price: $309.99
| Producer | Favia |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Sku | 6588 |
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The 2019 Cerro Sur delivers pure Cabernet Franc character from start to finish. The black/red hue is the first hint that the wine is deeply structured and intense. The aromas are lifted and exciting, with notes of dried herbs, currant, black cherry and anise. The finesse of the tannins is immediately palpable on the palate, along with multiple layers of flavor: salted black licorice, fresh blackberry, amaro, and red leaf tobacco.
Favia Description
The wine most reflective of our sense of place, from one of the most majestic sites to grow Cabernet Franc, our favorite variety. Planted nearly 40 years ago high in the eastern Vaca Mountains, this wine, more than any other, reminds us of home.
Decanter: 100 Points
A new addition to the Place de Bordeaux this year - the eponymous project of husband and wife duo; viticulturist Annie Favia and winemaker Andy Erickson. A beautifully scented nose full of rose and violet touches, the Cabernet Franc nuances leap from the glass - fresh and minty, full of herbal sun-kissed ripe fruit but pristinely delivered. Smooth and driving on the palate, crunchy, crisp flavours give a real bite to the palate - red berries, blackcurrants and raisins, all nicely integrated and balanced. This doesn't feel super worked and polished, instead it gives crystalline iron-minerality, lifted acidity and fragrance throughout - real signatures of the terroir and the minimal interventionist winemaking style - the grapes speak more than the winemaking. I just love the sense of wildness, a smoked touch with blue fruits, Asian spices and slightly angular tannins but with ripe fruit giving the body and cool acidity giving the freshness. A stunning wine and welcome addition to the Place.
Vinous: 98 Points
From a north-facing site at elevation, the 2019 Cerro Sur is a bold, savory wine loaded with energy. This Cabernet Frac-based wine is bursting with tension. Floral, spice and mocha accents lend striking aromatic top notes. I am so impressed with the wine’s elegance and total sense of finesse. This is an especially savory wine with strong cool-climate aromas and flavors that are so captivating.
James Suckling: 97 Points
This mostly cabernet franc shows intriguing character of tar, graphite, ink and black berries, following through to a medium to full body with layered and slightly dusty tannins and a succulent finish. So drinkable now, but will improve with age.
Wine Spectator: 95 Points
Superjuicy and vivid, with lots of up-front violet, cassis and plum pâte de fruit notes backed by tasty licorice and sweet spice. Toasted finish, but the fruit wins out easily, with a flash of sweet bay leaf adding nice range. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2036.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
Coming in at more than 70% Cabernet Franc—and aged in 50% new French oak—the 2019 Cerro Sur Red Wine is vaguely herbal, with black tea-like notes and hints of sage accenting black cherries and plums. Medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, this displays the hallmark Favia Erickson traits of balance and elegance—there's absolutely nothing out of place here.
