Cabernet Sauvignon, Farella Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2014

Massimo's 2014 Farella vineyard is tightly wound at release, the nose a close weave of gravel, cocoa nibs and bright small blackcurrants, with arresting detail and nuance, a sweet supple tannic structure, sheer salty minerality and highly accurate, tightly wound flavours of dark berries, salt, cacao, graphite and blackcurrants. Focussed, long and intense but also classically proportioned - this is old school Napa made with modern levels of precision. 150 cases produced annually. Massimo Di Costanzo’s Farella Cabernet Sauvignon represents much that is exciting about current day Napa valley. A young winemaker, full of experience, making a single small volume cuvee exactly as he would like – without gizmos, but with great care and attention, driven by a desire to make wines that enhance a meal rather than dominate it.