2011 La Magdalena

(a 50/50 blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon; from Oakville Ranch fruit): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry, licorice, wild herbs and coffee bean are lifted by a violet topnote. Juicy, intense and perfumed, with a lovely subtle sweetness to the franc-driven dark fruit, floral and mineral flavors. Not quite as complex in the mouth today as the nose suggests but this densely packed, very young wine has the balance and ripe tannins to reward cellaring.

The 2011 La Magdalena, equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from a hillside block of Oakville Ranch, is very fragrant with lots of floral notes intermixed with blueberries, black currants and cedar-infused raspberries. Sweet tannin adds to the sexy nature of this fragrant, lush, opulently textured, fleshy wine. By far my favorite of the three 2011 offerings, it should drink well for 10-12+ years. This small, high quality boutique operation is a joint venture between Annie Favia and winemaker and consultant Andy Erickson. By and large, not a lot of these wines are made, usually under 300 cases. The 2010s, which are currently on the market, are brilliant. www.faviawine.com

The 20111 La Magdalena is beautiful. It is also the least savory of the Favia 2011s. Sweet red berries, flowers, mint and anise all take shape in an aromatically expressive, nuanced wine. Soft, delicate and quite pretty, the 2011 is all about balance and harmony. The Cabernet Franc aromatics are particularly expressive on the finish. In 2011, La Magdalena is 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, both from the Summit Block at Oakville Ranch, a beautifully exposed hilltop parcel farmed by Phil Coturri.