2020 Faust The Lure Merlot

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.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.