Favia Erickson Winegrowers Cerro Sur

Favia Erickson Winegrowers was founded by winemaker Andy Erickson and viticulturist Annie Favia, two prominent figures in Napa Valley's elite. The estate works with parcels situated in high, cool locations, where the combination of altitude, soil, and microclimate produces wines with structure, freshness, and aromatic precision. Cerro Sur is one of the estate's flagship wines and is known for its refined style, driven by Cabernet Franc and complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Andy Erickson is known for his elegant approach to Napa Cabernet, where fruit, tension, and freshness take center stage. The vineyards are carefully cultivated. The goal is explicitly not to maximize power, but to find balance and expression. Cerro Sur is a striking example of this. The wine is sourced from the hills of Rancho Chimiles, a cooler, higher-altitude region east of Napa. This allows the grapes more time to ripen slowly, and the wine develops a characteristic freshness and aromatic layers.

Rancho Chimiles Vineyards and the 2021 Blend

The grapes for Cerro Sur come from Rancho Chimiles, a historic vineyard that benefits from altitude, cool temperatures, and chalky soils. These factors create wines with tension and intensity. The 2021 blend consists of 53 percent Cabernet Franc, 32 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15 percent Merlot. Cabernet Franc clearly dominates, defining the aromatic signature, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and concentration. Merlot rounds out the blend with softness and depth.

Many Napa producers consider 2021 a particularly strong vintage. Growing conditions were cooler and more consistent than in recent years, resulting in grapes with high aromatic intensity and a fine tannic structure. Winemakers emphasize that the 2021 tannins are firm yet remarkably refined, giving the wines longevity.

Vinification and style of the estate

Favia's vinification is all about precision and tranquility. The grapes are harvested by plot and fermented separately. Maturation takes place in wooden barrels of varying sizes, with the use of new wood limited to preserve the freshness and aromatic richness of the wines. The goal is a wine with structure, but without harshness, in which Cabernet Franc can fully express its character. The combination of altitude, coolness, and careful cellar work gives Cerro Sur its signature style: precise, aromatic, and powerful without being overpowering.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2021 Cerro Sur

The color is deep ruby red with a vibrant sparkle. The aroma immediately reveals the influence of Cabernet Franc. Aromas of wild red berries, rose petals, and dried herbs are complemented by subtle notes of cocoa, light mocha, and delicate floral accents. There's also a fresh citrus undertone, with a hint of blood orange, giving the wine tension and clarity. The wine gradually opens up in the glass, revealing increasing depth, fitting the description of a wine that is aromatically refined and beautifully layered.

On the palate, the balance between ripe fruit and lively acidity is striking. The taste begins with ripe cherry and red currant, followed by dark fruits and a soft spiciness. A light touch of tobacco and floral nuances emerges in the background. The structure is firm but not harsh; the tannins feel refined and supple. The whole is carried by a fresh, almost energetic tension that enlivens the mouthfeel. The wine has a medium to full body, yet retains a certain lightness and focus.

The finish is long, juicy, and precise. The wine concludes with a combination of fruit, spices, and a subtle minerality. The freshness remains beautifully present, which already makes the wine appealing, but also demonstrates that further bottle aging will give it even more depth. According to reviews, the wine has a clear signature and great potential, with a drinking window extending beyond 2035.

Reviews

Review – 97 points (Antonio Galloni): Refined structure, strong influence of Cabernet Franc, red fruit, blood orange, rose petals, and herbs. Fresh, aromatic, and layered.

The Wine Advocate – 95 points (Joe Czerwinski): Black cherry, floral notes, and light tobacco nuances. Ripe and enveloping, with soft tannins and lively acidity.

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

• Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic. The freshness of the wine beautifully balances the dish.
• Roasted veal shank with mild herbs. The wine's texture complements the juicy meat perfectly.
• Pappardelle with slow-braised beef stew. The fruity tension of the wine elevates the dish.
• Oven-baked chicken with sage and lemon. The wine complements the fresh spiciness perfectly.
• Risotto with beetroot and Parmesan. The earthy notes complement the wine's floral, vibrant style.
• Aged Comté or Gruyère. The salty softness and nutty notes combine well with the refined tannins.