Winemaker Notes

2016 Favia CERRO SUR Red Wine Napa Valley 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. After careful sorting, the grapes are carefully monitored through fermentation and maceration, giving the wine a fine texture and a narrow focus. This is followed by 22 months of aging in 50% new French oak barrels, and bottling without fining or filtration, giving the wine a depth and generosity that is incredibly appealing and age worthy. This latest vintage of CERRO SUR delivers all the power, precision, and aromatic excitement that we expect after 15 years working with this special vineyard site. Black cherry, spring wildflowers, star anise and espresso bean are just some of the notes that come to mind as the wine opens up. On the palate comes a wave of blue-black fruits, tobacco, vanilla and cocoa nibs, broadening on the palate and finishing with excellent intensity and length. Judging from some of our earliest vintages, now more than a decade in, this one will age for many years to come. 69% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon 173 cases produced