Favia - Cerro Sur - Napa Valley 2019

Anthocyanes

95 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe9/9/2022

Des notes de violette, de fruits noirs, de lilas et de menthol pour un bouquet élégant et légèrement graphite à l'aération. Structure tendue, dense sans être lourde, des tanins élégants et légèrement boisés pour une tension finale minérale et longue. Une belle bouteille en devenir. Uniquement 5 000 bouteilles en production. 80 % de cabernet franc et 20 % de cabernet-sauvignon.

Decanter.com

100 / 100

byGeorgina Hindlethe8/24/2022

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. Ageing in French oak barrels (50% new).

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

98 / 100

byJane Ansonthe7/19/2022

This stands out for its welcoming, nuanced and earthy aromatics, with sapidity and grace to the blueberry, raspberry and redcurrant fruits. A deeper ink and cold ash edge comes in through the mid palate, and the texture shows a chalky, angular edge to the tannins. Nothing too much, this is restrained and juicy, reflecting its location in a cooler climate part of the valley, and its Cabernet Franc dominance. Great quality, one to look out for. First vintage going through the Bordeaux system, with 3,000 bottles allocated for the Place. Ageing in 50% new French oak barrels, harvest September 30 to October 7. Owners, viticulturalists and winemakers Annie Favia and Andy Erickson. Tasted twice.

Jamessuckling.com

97 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/3/2022

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.

Vinous

98 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe10/1/2021

From a north-facing site at elevation, the 2019 Cerro Sur is a bold, savory wine loaded with energy. This Cabernet Franc-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.