Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: A Bold and Complex Red Wine

The Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a wine that has been receiving a lot of attention lately. This wine is made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, which is known for producing some of the best red wines in the world. The 2018 vintage is particularly noteworthy, as it has been rated highly by several wine critics and has won several awards.

Faust is a winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines that are made using traditional winemaking techniques. The Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is one of their most popular wines and is a testament to their commitment to quality.

The 2018 vintage of this wine is considered to be one of the best in recent years. Wine critics have praised its rich and complex flavors, which are a result of the careful blending of different grape varieties. The wine has a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and has flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, giving the wine a long and smooth finish. Overall, the Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur.

The Legacy of Faust Cabernet Sauvignon

Brand History and Philosophy

Faust Wines is a Napa Valley producer that embodies the art and passion of winemaking. The brand's philosophy is to create wines of exceptional quality that reflect the unique terroir of the Napa Valley. The Faust label was launched in 2000, and since then, it has become known for its distinctive style and elegance.

The Faust Vineyard and Terroir

The Coombsville Estate is the heart of Faust's winemaking operation. The vineyard is located in the Coombsville AVA, which is known for its volcanic soils and marine breezes. These unique conditions create a microclimate that is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes of exceptional quality.

Faust's winemaking team is committed to sustainable farming practices that respect the land and the environment. They use organic and biodynamic methods to ensure that the vineyard remains healthy and productive for generations to come.

The Pact: A Signature Wine

The Pact is Faust's signature wine, a pure expression of the Coombsville Estate vineyard. This wine is made from the best grapes of the vintage, and it represents the pinnacle of Faust's winemaking philosophy. The Pact is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged in French oak barrels for 22 months.

The Pact is a wine of exceptional quality and elegance, with a deep ruby color and intense aromas of black fruit, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, it is rich and complex, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate. The wine has a long, smooth finish, with well-integrated tannins and a hint of minerality.

In conclusion, Faust Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptional wine that embodies the art and passion of Napa Valley winemaking. The brand's commitment to quality and sustainability is reflected in every bottle, and the Coombsville Estate vineyard is the perfect expression of Napa Valley terroir. The Pact is Faust's signature wine, a pure expression of the Coombsville Estate vineyard, and a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence.

2018 Vintage Overview

Climate and Harvesting Conditions

The 2018 vintage of the Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was marked by ideal weather conditions. The growing season started with a mild spring, followed by a warm summer with moderate temperatures. The harvest season was long, with grapes ripening slowly and evenly, allowing for optimal flavor development and tannin maturity. The result was a vintage with excellent balance, complexity, and depth.

The Coombsville Estate grapes, which form the core of the wine, were harvested in late September, while the Rutherford and Oakville grapes were harvested in early October. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning hours to ensure they were cool and fresh, and then carefully sorted to remove any damaged or unripe fruit.

Winemaking Techniques

Winemaker David Jelinek used traditional winemaking techniques to craft the Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 19 months in 100% French oak, 30% of which was new oak. The wine was then bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The use of French oak barrels imparted subtle flavors of vanilla, toast, and spice to the wine, while also contributing to its elegant structure and silky texture. The wine was oaked just enough to add complexity and depth, without overpowering the fruit flavors.

Overall, the 2018 vintage of the Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the region's unique terroir and winemaking expertise. The wine is rich and full-bodied, with notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate, and a long, lingering finish. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but will also age gracefully for years to come.

Tasting Profile

Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 offers a complex and well-balanced tasting profile that is sure to delight wine lovers. Here's a breakdown of its tasting profile:

Aroma and Bouquet

On the nose, this wine jumps out of the glass with aromas of fresh black cherry and plum. These black-fruit notes are complemented by cedar, espresso, and earthy undertones.

Flavor and Palate

The wine's flavor profile is equally impressive, with a rich and full-bodied palate that showcases flavors of black cherry, plum, and hints of anise. The wine's acidity and minerality provide a pleasant balance, while the tannins offer a smooth and silky mouthfeel.

Finish and Aftertaste

The wine's finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering aftertaste of leather, graphite, and chocolate. Overall, the Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a well-structured and complex wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Wine Composition

Grape Varietals and Blending

Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grape varietals. The wine is blended with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. The blend creates a complex and balanced wine that showcases the best of Napa Valley's terroir. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape varietal in the blend, which gives the wine its structure, depth, and tannins. Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc add complexity, aromatics, and a softness to the wine.

Color and Texture

Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 has a deep ruby color with purple hues. The wine has a full body, high tannins, and a long finish. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing the wine with a rich texture. The wine's acidity is balanced, making it a perfect pairing with grilled beef and other red meat dishes.

The wine is aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, with 30% of the barrels being new. The oak aging adds complexity and notes of vanilla, spice, and toast to the wine. The wine has an alcohol content of 14.9%, which is on the higher side for a Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's alcohol content contributes to its full body and rich texture.

In summary, Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grape varietals. The wine has a deep ruby color, full body, high tannins, and a long finish. The wine's acidity is balanced, and it has notes of vanilla, spice, and toast from the oak aging. The wine is a perfect pairing with grilled beef and other red meat dishes.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a full-bodied wine with a rich and complex flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some food pairing suggestions to help you enjoy this wine to the fullest.

Grilled Beef

The Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a perfect match for grilled beef. The wine's bold tannins and rich fruit flavors complement the meat's smoky and savory flavors. For a perfect pairing, grill a juicy steak and serve it with a side of roasted vegetables.

Lamb

Lamb is another great option to pair with this wine. The wine's bold tannins and acidity cut through the meat's richness, while its fruit flavors complement the lamb's natural sweetness. For a perfect pairing, try roasted lamb with a cherry compote on the side.

Black-Olive

The Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 has a subtle hint of black olive in its flavor profile. This makes it a great match for dishes that feature black olives as a prominent ingredient. Try pairing this wine with a classic tapenade or a Mediterranean-style pizza topped with black olives.

Overall, the Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its bold tannins and rich fruit flavors make it an excellent match for grilled beef, lamb, and dishes featuring black olives.

Aging Potential and Storage

Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a wine that has a great aging potential. The wine is made from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged for 100% French Oak, 30% new, which adds to its complexity and character. The wine has a deep red color with aromas of dark fruit, tobacco, and chocolate. It is full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a refined, polished finish. It shows finesse and focus, which makes it an excellent wine for aging.

The ideal temperature for storing wine is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a good spot because it's also dark. Light can mess with the aging process of wine. Therefore, Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 should be stored in a cool, dark place. The wine should be stored on its side to keep the cork moist. The cork should be made of high-quality material to ensure the wine's longevity.

Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a wine that can be cellared for several years. The wine can be enjoyed now, but it will continue to improve with age. The wine will develop more complex flavors and aromas as it ages. The tannins will soften, and the wine will become smoother. The wine should be decanted before serving to allow it to breathe and release its full potential.

In conclusion, Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a wine with great aging potential. The wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with a high-quality cork to ensure its longevity. The wine can be cellared for several years and will continue to improve with age. The wine should be decanted before serving to allow it to breathe and release its full potential.

Appellation and AVA

Understanding Napa Valley AVAs

Napa Valley, located in California, USA, is renowned for its diverse American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) that contribute to the distinct characteristics of its wines. The region is home to several sub-appellations, including Rutherford, Oakville, and Coombsville AVA, each known for its unique terroir and microclimate. These factors play a pivotal role in shaping the flavor profile of the wines, making Napa Valley a prime destination for wine enthusiasts seeking exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.

Coombsville as a Unique AVA

Coombsville AVA, situated in the southeastern part of Napa Valley, stands out due to its lower elevation compared to other AVAs in the region. This results in a slightly cooler climate, influencing the ripening process of grapes and contributing to the wine's elegant and refined characteristics. The AVA's location near the Vaca Mountain range further influences its terroir, making it an intriguing area for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Market Position and Investment

Comparative Analysis with Other Vintages

Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a highly sought-after wine that has garnered a lot of attention from wine enthusiasts and collectors alike. In terms of investment, it is important to compare this vintage with other vintages to determine its market position.

Compared to the 2017 vintage, the 2018 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon has received higher scores from critics, indicating a higher quality. The 2018 vintage has an average score of 94 points, while the 2017 vintage has an average score of 92 points. This suggests that the 2018 vintage has a higher investment potential due to its superior quality.

The 2018 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon is currently priced at around $55 per bottle. This is a relatively high price point for a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, but it is in line with other premium wines in the region.

The collectibility of the 2018 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon is also worth noting. This vintage has received high scores from critics, indicating that it is a wine that is worth aging. Wine collectors may be interested in purchasing this vintage for their collections, which could drive up the price in the future.

Overall, the 2018 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon is a high-quality wine with strong investment potential. Its high scores and collectibility make it an attractive option for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Global Influence

Napa Valley Versus Bordeaux

When it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley and Bordeaux are two of the most renowned regions in the world. While Bordeaux is known for its traditional style, Napa Valley is known for its bold and fruit-forward approach. The Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a perfect example of the latter. It is a rich and complex wine that offers a unique expression of the Napa Valley terroir.

The Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is made from grapes grown in the Coombsville Estate, as well as from vineyards in Rutherford and Oakville. These regions are known for their warm climate and well-draining soils, which are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity to the wine.

Faust's International Recognition

The Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 has received international recognition for its exceptional quality. It has been awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator and 98-100 points by Wine Enthusiast. It has also been listed as the #2 Cabernet Sauvignon in the Restaurant Poll 2020.

Faust's international recognition is a testament to the quality of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows that Napa Valley can produce wines that are on par with the best wines from Bordeaux and other renowned wine regions. The Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a perfect example of this, as it offers a unique expression of the Napa Valley terroir while maintaining the elegance and complexity that is characteristic of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world.