Pezzato Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022

Brands that have staying power are few and far between. With every exciting discovery we share comes twenty or thirty other brands that don't quite cut it. We're looking for brands with conviction, quality, and a clear point of view. It can only be done when it comes from a place of authenticity. Quality cannot be manufactured, it has to be innate.

This latest up-and-comer grabbed our attention immediately! Michael Savaiano spent a decade learning the intricacies of viticulture while working for Premier Pacific Vineyards. The work involved tasting with each winemaker in their cellar and adjusting the winegrowing inputs accordingly to deliver fruit that best met their style and goals. Collaborating with over 100 winemakers each vintage, Michael developed skills that put his intuition in the vineyard uniquely above many. His skills did not go unnoticed. In 2017, he joined Russell Bevan at Tench Vineyards and eventually became the Director of Winemaking and Viticulture. Under Russell, Michael's skill set blossomed even further. As it so often happens, his knowledge and thirst for creativity drove him to launch a brand.

Introducing PEZZATO, a super small lot Cabernet brand that has the it-factor! Both an ode to Michael's Italian heritage and his foundation in viticulture, Pezzato is an Italian word that roughly translates to dark and light, and is a personal reference to Michael's affinity for achieving balance in the vineyard. The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Phelan Ranch, a stunning mountainous property in St. Helena that overlooks Lake Hennessey. Bright, juicy fruit aromas of rhubarb and cherry give way to baking spices and anise on the nose. Flavors of chocolate evolve into graphite pencil shavings and licorice. Plush tannins coat the mouth, while a firm, focused structure punctuates the long finish.