2018 Cerro Sur
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Tasting notes
A blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cerro Sur Red Wine matured in 50% new French oak. Floral and herbal on the nose, it boasts impressively intricate detail, accenting gentle cherry notes. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, with notes reminiscent of cocoa powder, both texturally and flavor wise. Long, elegant and balanced, with hints of mocha on the finish, it is a fine expression of Cabernet Franc and largely sourced from Rancho Chimiles, where old Franc vines grow on north-facing slopes at 1,000 feet above sea level.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
More meaty notes of red and black currants, mulled cherries, tobacco, roasted herbs, and chocolate emerge from the 2018 Cerro Sur, and this beauty brings full-bodied richness, plenty of mid-palate depth, and building tannins on the palate. This rich, meaty, expansive, beautifully textured 2018 has plenty of up-front appeal yet should benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years in cold cellars.
A brooding wine, the 2018 Cerro Sur is decidedly dark and potent in feel. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, licorice and cloves all add to its inward, virile personality. I imagine the 2018 will be superb in another few years, but I also imagine it will always be a rather somber wine. Time in the glass does wonders, but I would plan on a few years of cellaring.
The 2018 Cerro Sur is super expressive in its aromatics but also has quite a bit of mid-palate depth. Dark-fruited, rich and layered, the Cerro Sur is always the most understated wine within the Favia range. Floral, savory and mineral notes are the signatures in this hugely promising Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
About the producer
Favia is the personal project of cult winemaker Andy Erickson and leading viticulturalist and winemaker Annie Favia. Working in Coombsville and Oakville, they craft single-site, elegant expressions of top Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that are some of the valley’s highest-rated.