From Thurs July 9th…
Today was a day in the history books for me personally; like when my daughter met and touched the Jonas Brothers……read on (hopefully with glass in hand)
Nothing like starting your day, after a beautiful morning walk in and around Yountville (French Laundry territory), with a 10 am tasting at….
The home of Andy Erickson (aka Mr. Screaming Eagle ) and his wife Annie Favia (a disciple of John Kongsgaard and David Abreu!); so, what did we taste???
Andy and Annie are and have been working on their own wines, without partners or outside clients, called Favia – RUN, SPRINT, but do not walk to get these wines however you can (http://www.faviawines.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).
First up, 06 La Magdalena (58% Cab Franc, 42% Cab Sauv), their 3rd commercial offering; simply put, a WOW wine. Both grapes come from vineyards owned/cared for by David Abreu on Spring Mountain; think very expressive notes of blackberry and plum especially on the bouquet and finish; lavender, with a hint of metallic/graphite, and a ever simple and brilliant touch of raspberry. Full body from start to finish; big crowd pleaser. Sadly only 150 cases
Next, 06 Cerro Sur (72% Cab Franc, 28% Cab Sauv); even bigger and more expressive than the Magdalena; think exotic spices, blackberry, and huge explosion on the palate including cedar/wood, chocolate, and classic Napa candied fruits; even better than the Magdalena (which was absolutely fantastic). Again, sadly only 187 cases
Lastly, 06 98% Napa Cabernet, 2% Petit Verdot……simply put, could not have been better; 2nd commercial release; all Cab from St. Helena and Coombsville (part of Napa, east of the River), be on the lookout for other wines from Coombsville, based upon what Andy told me!; whatever your personal definition of the perfect Napa Cab is, double it! only 80 cases
Get on the mailing list and seek out other Andy wines; Ovid, Leviathan (just bottled 07), Dancing Hares, Favia and Screaming Eagle….