2012 Faust The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon

Faust is a 110-acre estate in Coombsville, in the eastern foothills south of Atlas Peak. Faust was founded by Agustin Huneeus, a native of Chile and a highly experienced vintner. He has produced wine in more than fifteen countries, and in the United States is known for creating Quintessa in Rutherford. He is also the longtime Chairman and CEO of Icon Estates, formerly Franciscan Vineyards. The Faust estate produces several Cabernet-based wines, but the flagship is simply called Faust, based on the German Faust legend made famous by the poet Goethe. Faust has earned ratings in the low- to mid-90s.

Coombsville AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having received its official designation only in 2011. Tucked just to the northeast of Los Carneros and a few minutes’ drive east of downtown Napa, the Coombsville appellation is relatively large at a total of 11,000 acres. The elevation varies from 100 to 1,000 feet, and the climate is moderated by marine breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The main grape varieties here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.