Favia Erickson Winegrowers and the Character of Coombsville

Favia Erickson Winegrowers is the collaborative project of winemaker Andy Erickson and viticulturist Annie Favia. Their wines are praised for their precision, balance, and expressive tension. Coombsville, on the eastern edge of Napa Valley, is a relatively cool area with a long aging period and soils composed of volcanic rock and mineral deposits. This gives Cabernet grapes a clear structure, intense aromas, and a characteristic freshness.

The Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville is among the estate's most recognizable wines. The combination of altitude, cool nights, and stony soils produces wines with distinctive character and longevity. The 2015 vintage is no exception, displaying a powerful yet refined style.

The vineyards, grapes and the role of 2015

The 2015 edition is made entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon and comes from carefully selected parcels within Coombsville. The grapes benefit from the slow ripening typical of the region, which concentrates aromas while maintaining natural acidity.

The 2015 vintage produced a relatively small harvest, but the grapes were concentrated and exceptionally aromatic. The wines display ripe fruit, firm structure, and a pronounced mineral core. The combination of ripeness and freshness makes the vintage well-suited for extended aging, a fact also emphasized by critics.

Vinification and winemaker's style

At Favia, vinification revolves around tranquility, precision, and minimal intervention. The grapes are harvested by hand, rigorously selected, and fermented separately. The use of oak is present but never overpowering, ensuring the grapes and the terroir remain the focus. The wine is then aged in oak to develop structure, depth, and length without sacrificing freshness.

The result of this approach is a wine that combines power with nuance and freshness. The 2015 edition clearly demonstrates this: robust, structured, and full-bodied, yet with lively acidity that keeps the whole balanced.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville

The color is deep garnet red with a dark core. The aroma immediately reveals the wine's layered character. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, and blackberry are complemented by notes of dried herbs, mint, and juniper berries. A subtle spiciness emerges in the form of woody notes, cedar, and pipe tobacco. Mineral accents such as graphite and iron, typical of Coombsville soils, emerge in the background. Floral aromas add finesse and create tension.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, powerful, and structured. The palate opens with ripe black fruit, followed by spicy notes and a distinct minerality reminiscent of stony soils and pencil shavings. The tannins are firm yet finely structured, giving the wine a solid backbone. The acidity is lively, keeping the wine fresh despite its concentration.

The wine displays a layered mid-palate where fruit, spice, and mineral nuances beautifully intertwine. The combination of ripe fruit and savory notes creates depth and balance. As the wine matures, the floral and spicy nuances intensify. The finish is long, taut, and aromatic, with dark fruit, spicy notes, and a subtle mineral edge that lingers.

The 2015 edition is already impressive, but further bottle aging will give it even more nuance and harmony. Its structure and concentration make it easily worthy of aging beyond 2035.

Reviews

The Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown): Blackcurrant, black cherry, black olive, herbs, and graphite. Firm tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, mineral-tinged finish.

Review (Antonio Galloni): Floral aromas, cedar, dried herbs, mint, juniper berries, and graphite. A sensual, expressive wine that can age for years.

Would you like to order wines from Favia Erickson Winegrowers online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
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Wine and food pairings

• Grilled sirloin steak with thyme. The structure and freshness of the wine keep the whole thing balanced.
• Rack of lamb with rosemary and sage. The hearty flavor complements the wine's herbal aromas beautifully.
• Risotto with roasted mushrooms. The earthy notes complement the wine's mineral depth.
• Braised beef cheek with vegetable broth. The wine enhances the dish's rich character.
• Roasted root vegetables with fresh herbs. The wine adds tension and depth.
• Aged Gouda or Comté. The salty and nutty undertones complement the wine's spiciness.