2019 Favia - Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (750ml)

Favia Erickson Winegrowers is the shared project of viticulturist Annie Favia and winemaker Andy Erickson. Annie cut her teeth working for noted grower David Abreu, where she helped plant Screaming Eagle, and later studied alongside John Kongsgaard and Cathy Corison. Andy has since built one of Napa's most respected consulting careers of his own. Together the pair farm a small number of hillside sites they know well, letting each one guide the wine rather than a fixed recipe.

The fruit for this bottling comes from Oakville Ranch, high on the eastern hills above the valley floor, where organically farmed vines grow in red, rocky, iron-rich soil. An east and north-facing exposure keeps ripening slow and even, away from the full force of the afternoon sun. The resulting Cabernet Sauvignon is picked for freshness as much as concentration, then aged to preserve that natural lift and structure.

Blackberry, cassis, and crushed violets lead on the nose, joined by dark chocolate and a thread of cedar. On the palate, black cherry and plum meet espresso, tobacco, and graphite, framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity. Serve it with pan-seared filet mignon, aged parmesan, or a grilled vegetable platter.