Winemaker Notes
The 2019 vintage is defined by its energy. All of the wines from this special year have an electric quality, and La Magdalena is a prime example. The deep, brooding character that is almost always present in the wine is there, but with a brightness and aromatic lift that excites the senses. Notes of blackberry, nutmeg, and gravel are wound up with cinnamon, cardamom, and camphor. Despite its serious depth and power, there is nothing out of place here, even with the volume turned up. Tannins are silky and burnished, and the finished goes on for nearly a full minute.
Blend: 62% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Fantastic aromas of blackberries and blueberries with hints of flowers and pencil lead. Full-bodied with velvety, creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Some bitter lemon, bitter chocolate and grilled toast at the end.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A 62-38 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Oakville Ranch, the 2019 La Magdalena boasts expansive aromas of plums and blueberries, rich, ripe and concentrated without being overdone. There's a lovely sense of balance to this and the other Favia Erickson wines, combining structure and opulence without being too rigid or too soft. This one finishes really long, with hints of mocha and dark chocolate.
Favia Erickson Winegrowers is a collaboration between Annie Favia and Andy Erickson. Their philosophy is simple: create soulful wines that express the true nature of the vineyards from which they come. Annie and Andy focus on finding unique vineyard sites with soils, climate and aspects ideal for growing exquisite wine grapes, and develop strong relationships with their winegrowers to perfect viticultural practices. In the winery, they carefully coax the grapes into wine. Gentle handling, minimal intervention, and strict monitoring of the wine allow our grapes to speak for themselves.
Ultimately, Favia Erickson Winegrowers unites science, art and nature to produce unparalleled wines, each with its own distinct character.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.