98 - Points by James Suckling
In a new beginning for Favia, an equal blend of Coombsville and Oakville represents the best of both appellations—the fresh, savory, mineral edge of the former intertwining with the deep flavor and floral lift of the latter. Layers of fruit, supported by graphite, dried herbs, flowers and spices, lead to a luscious yet refined palate with finely tuned tannins and a bright line of acidity. A complete, balanced expression of Napa.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot.
 
Deep Napa credentials
Andy Erickson and **Annie Favia bring 30 years at the highest levels of Napa winemaking and viticulture
Andy’s résumé includes wines for Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle, and Dalla Valle Vineyards
Annie’s vineyard work spans elite sites for Abreu Vineyards, Colgin Cellars, and Bryant Family Vineyard.
Favia Wines overview
Boutique label led by husband-and-wife team winemaker Andy Erickson and **viticulturist Annie Favia
Label launched with the 2003 vintage; in 2023 they partnered to secure a long-term vineyard “homebase”
Partnership + new Oakville vineyard base
Partnered with the Huneeus family (owners of Quintessa, Faust, Flowers Vineyards & Winery)
Goal: develop a prime Oakville parcel to support growth and increase estate-driven production
The site
86-acre parcel on the north side of Oakville Cross Road, between Opus One Winery and Groth Vineyards & Winery
Previously Swanson; bought by Huneeus in 2018
Left fallow, then replanting began in 2020; Annie Favia oversaw most of the remaining replanting (now nearing completion)
Vineyard plantings (just over 60 acres of vines)
Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon
Also Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc
Small amount of Malbec
Farming challenges + solutions
Transitioning from hillside farming to valley floor soils was a learning curve for Favia
Deeper, more fertile soils → required vigor management to maintain quality
Prior conventional farming (herbicides/pesticides) → prompted a rejuvenation program
Design choices validated by the 2024 heat test:
Row orientation decisions
Sprawl-style canopy
Permanent cover crop
The fallow period provided a “blank slate” for the replant + soil recovery work
Napa River soils + block strategy
Vineyard sits near the Napa River; historic river movement created soil variability
Clay/loam overall, but with gravelly “ribbons” from old river washes
Gravel zones enabled more Cabernet Franc placement (vs. the initial plan to put Merlot/Sauv Blanc on clay by the river)
Winemaking/blending approach
Plan: blend Oakville fruit with cooler fruit from the Huneeus Coombsville site where Faust is based
Classic Napa “insider” formula: warm-area power + cooler-area structure
Quote-worthy framing:
“Oakville is the power… Coombsville is the tannin and savory side.”