Favia Carbone Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

JD94+ and in the “Top Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Under $100” list! HUGE bang for the buck here from one of Napa Valley’s celebrated winemakers!

It’s amazing we even got any at all -- what a score! The ‘18 Carbone punches WAY over its price point (see Jeb’s note), and in a killer vintage like this, it’s one to stock up on. Andy and wife, Annie, have made a beautifully harmonious, rich, yet delineated Cabernet, packed with red/purple fruits, sweet tobacco leaf, black tea and sweet herbs, but it’s really the mouthfeel and gorgeous balance that just home runs it for us. The price, too! In a world where Andy is making tons of $200+ Cabernets for his clients, this is a STEAL!

The historic Antonio Carbone Wine Cellar that Annie and Andy purchased in Coombsville is once again a working family farm and winery. The Carbone label is a revival of the incredible history of this property that dates back to 1870! The original Italianate stone cellar still stands underneath the Carbones' original residence above the cellar. Annie grows her organic Erda teas on the property as well as a treasure trove of produce, much of which she sells to local restaurants.

Annie and Andy are two of the coolest people we know in the wine biz. Annie, a viticulturist and farmer extraordinaire, who cut her teeth tending vine for David Abreu, and Andy, one of the most revered and respected winemakers in the valley today, are the ultimate wine industry power couple. When they decided to lay their roots down in the ancient caldera that is Coombsville, and build their winery, no expense was spared and what they have created is nothing short of extraordinary.

PAIRING IDEAS: It’s rib season, so do ribs! THIS is one of our favorites that takes the flavor profile away from sweet BBQ sauce (which doesn’t always complement Cab, in our minds), and into Italian territory with a bit of super-savory balsamic and herbs. Boom!