2021 Heart of FAY Cabernet Sauvignon

ABOUT HEART OF FAY

This Cabernet Sauvignon has fragrant and fruity aromas, with notes of crushed raspberries, cranberry, and cola, a touch of white pepper, and a floral note. The palate has a vibrant mouthfeel with silky coating tannins and lasting fruit flavors on the finish, with a touch of spice and dark chocolate.

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

Winemaker Marcus Notaro crafted this wine to demonstrate the special characteristics of a specific section of FAY Vineyard. Hailing from the center, or heart of the vineyard, the Heart of FAY Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the confluence of this wonderfully complex vineyard where Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted in the Stags Leap District in 1961.

In 2021, the Heart of FAY is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon was primarily picked from Blocks 4, 5A, and 1. The wine was aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels and bottled with minimal filtration.

VINTAGE

The 2021 growing season will be remembered for being the second consecutive year of very dry conditions during winter and spring and for challenging weather during bloom and heat, cold, wind, and rain during flowering. This resulted in a reduction in yield and more variability on the clusters themselves. We had classic Napa Valley weather during the heart of the growing season with moderate temperatures and cool sea breezes in the afternoon and evening all summer. Early September saw a mini heat wave that pushed ripeness along, then a return to beautiful weather for the remainder of harvest. Berries were a little smaller than usual with loose clusters.  Overall, the 2021 vintage was fantastic for quality and will be regarded as a benchmark year for Napa Valley.