Cabernet Sauvignon, Farella Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2018

Where Montecillo is otherworldly, the aromatic medly of mint cedar, sage, juniper and cassis of Farella is initially classic in the extreme, to which with air you add smoke, volcanic ash notes, cherry and flowers to arrive at something wonderful. A beautifully perfumed and seductive Cabernet this, with a seam of iron rich stoniness underpinning the floral aromatics. On the palate layers of stones, dark tangy minerality and fine herbs all coalesce around a core of creamy sweet fruit, notes of mocha, sage and raspberry. Deep yet translucent like great old-school Napa from the early nineties. Explosive, yet beautifully fresh and seamless – this is a superb Farella from a winemaker really turning the dials.