Whole bunch fermentation, aged in French barrels for about 22 months. Cerro Sur means "southern hills" in Spanish, and uses grapes from the fields on the gentle hills from Coombsville to Wooden Valley. Ripe, rich blackberries with Asian spices, coffee beans, strong flavor and soft tannins. Great potential for long aging.
Cerro Sur means "southern hill" in Spanish, and is the name of their favorite area of Napa Valley.
The hills extend from the Coombsville AVA to the east of downtown Napa, then roll further east into Wooden Valley, and continue further east into Sacramento Valley.
The area is a mix of well-drained volcanic soil and mineral-rich sedimentary soil.
Cool breezes also come in off San Francisco Bay, helping to clear away the hot air.
This is an area with a variety of slopes and orientations relative to the sun, offering infinite possibilities.
Technical information
Brewing and aging: Fermented using natural yeast without removing the stems, with a long brewing period, and aged for 22 months in French barrels (50% new barrels).
Tasting Comments
Aromas of blackberry, dried flowers, star anise and licorice.
Powerful flavors of blue and black fruits, vanilla and cocoa with a long finish.
It has the potential for long-term aging, and will blossom even more beautifully with age.
Production volume: 341 cases.
Field Information
The Cabernet Franc is made from grapes planted about 40 years ago on the spectacular summit of the famous Rancho Chimiles (Atlas Peak) in the Vaca Mountains of Napa Valley.
It is a beautiful, sturdy old tree, cultivated and cared for by my friend, Terry Wilson.
The vineyards are located at an altitude of 350-400m, so there is no fog and the fields are filled with cool air, but they receive sufficient sunlight, which means that the acidity does not decrease and the grapes have firm tannins and become fully ripe, excellent grapes.
2017 will be the 16th vintage since Favia was founded.
The Cabernet Franc from this vineyard is fragrant, fresh, powerful and full of flavour.
The proportion of franc is higher than in the previous vintage (69% to 77%), and the higher the proportion of franc, the more unique a tasting experience Napa Franc from a good year provides, and the more the aromas and flavors express themselves as it ages.
The Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for approximately 20% of the wine, comes from vineyards in the cool climate of Coombsville.
It adds a vibrant fruit concentration.
Vintage: 2018
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 77% Cabernet Franc
Blend Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 23%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Vineyard: Rancho Chimiles Vineyard
Notes: Wine Spectator 94 (Oct 31, 2021)
Winemaker: Andy Erickson
Winemaking: Whole bunch fermentation, natural yeast
Aging: 22 months in French barrels (50% new)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.8%