Faust 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Magnum 1.5L

Magnum 1.5L

From the makers of Quintessa Estate comes Faust Cabernet Sauvignon. This beautiful winery adjacent to the Silverado Trail south of St. Helena boasts Michel Rolland as its consulting winemaker and he is undeniably responsible for increased quality.

For Faust premium grape lots are selected. This 2021 is a blend of fruit from their cool Coombsville vineyard (always the core of the Faust blend) with carefully selected, complementary lots from other cool sub-regions in the valley. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon with broad varietal character, including appealing herbal notes with its generous ripe fruit, and depth and texture not often found in this price range.

The grapes were hand-picked, double-sorted and crushed, then cold-soaked and fermented in both French oak and stainless steel tanks. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. After an extended maceration and malolactic fermentation in barrel, Faust was aged for 20 months in 100% French oak from Seguin Moreau, Taransaud and Francoise Freres, 25% new.

James Suckling scored this 95 points saying, "Inviting aromas of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries as well as crushed walnuts, cedar and bark. Full-bodied, creamy and structured with firm, polished tannins. Balanced and even with a lingering finish."

Wine Spectator gave this 94 points saying, "Packed and broad in feel, with a ganache note draped over black currant, blackberry and steeped cherry. Licorice root and alder smoke flavors check in on the finish as the fruit pumps through, ending with a flash of violet. Hard to resist now, but this has some development ahead."

Wine Enthusiast scored this 93 points saying, "Hefty and grippy, this full-bodied wine is sturdy in tannins, deep in black and blue fruits, and will come around nicely with more aging. Blackberries, blueberries, cocoa and hints of oak char make a good, complex expression on the palate."

Jeb Dunnuck gave this 91 points saying, "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is terrific, as well as a terrific value. Cassis, ripe blackberries, tobacco, and some chocolate oak notes all flow to a medium-bodied, supple, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with terrific purity as well as balance."