Favia Carbone Chardonnay Coombsville 2020

Andy’s very impressive resume includes Screaming Eagle who was brought on as Head Winemaker in 2006 and given the difficult task of filling Heidi Peterson Barrett’s shoes, who launched the brand with their 1992 debut vintage. Andy, a UC Davis Enology Grad, was more than up for the challenge when offered this incredibly desirable position because of his remarkable pedigree that traces back to Kongsgaard, Harlan Estate, Dancing Hares and Staglin Family Wines. Currently, he is the Winemaker behind Ovid, Dalla Valle, Mayacamas, Marciano and Arietta, just to name a few. Annie’s field work in viticulture began with David Abreu, pioneering Napa’s greatest vineyards for wines produced by Harlan Estate, Corison, Abreu, Screaming Eagle, Ovid, Colgin and Bryant Family. She is a true legend and we are always so charmed by her dedication and craft. In 2003, this dynamic husband and wife team combined their love for winemaking and viticulture and founded their own passion project called Favia with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Year after year, these wines are undeniably exquisite, a true favorite of mine year after year. 

Long before Favia was established, in the early days of Napa Valley viticulture, three brothers settled in what is now known as Coombsville. Antonio, Lorenzo, and Nicola Carbone were the first Italian immigrants to inhabit this quiet, rolling area east of the city of Napa, cultivating their first crops in 1872. They planted grapes on the hillsides, and on the farm around their homestead planted fruits and vegetables in abundance. By 1886 they had constructed at least one residence, as well as a stone cellar that still remains. The property became known as Antonio Carbone Winery and Italian Gardens. After Annie and Andy acquired this historic property a few years back, they painstakingly restored the old residences, winery, orchards and gardens, and now call this home for their family and for Favia Wines. If Napa had Grand Crus, Favia would be one of them. Together they handcraft some of the most exciting Bordeaux blends this valley has ever seen. 

Carbone is a nod to the past and a promise to continue their story, this bottling honors their winery’s heritage and the commitment they’ve made to this property. Annie calls Carbone “our farm wine,” because they’d be more than delighted to share it at the dinner table with friends. This energetic Carbone Chardonnay was produced from the 30-year-old vines planted in Coombsville just behind their historic winery. “This wine possesses all of the energy, purity and freshness that this noble variety has to offer when it is at its best.” A pale lemon hue in the glass, with aromas of freshly picked white flowers, apples, pears, citrus peel and baked piecrust with lemon curd. Its creamy texture is balanced with bright acidity, yet full-bodied for a refreshing experience. This wine will continue to unfold and gain complexity with time in the bottle. The only problem is that it’s so inviting today, we might never see that time come!