Farella Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa 2011
Shipping calculated at checkout
Farella has been farming organically in Coombsville since 1985—back when Napa was still figuring out what organic even meant and Coombsville wasn't yet recognized as its own AVA. Frank Farella was ahead of his time, and his son Tom continues that legacy, crafting Cabernets that prioritize balance and elegance over sheer power.
Coombsville is the coolest, foggiest part of Napa Valley, tucked into the hills east of the city. The vineyards here don't get the afternoon heat that other parts of the valley see, which means longer hang time and more complexity in the fruit. The result is Cabernet with structure and depth but without the jammy, over-extracted quality that gives Napa a bad rap.
This 2011 has had over a decade to evolve in the bottle, and it's hitting a beautiful drinking window right now. The primary fruit has mellowed into darker, more savory notes—think cassis, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of cedar from the oak. The tannins have softened into something velvety, and there's this lovely earthy complexity that only comes with age. It's still got plenty of life ahead of it, but it's gorgeous now. And never mind what the critics said. 2011 was an ugly duckling that is now a profoundly graceful swan.
Crack this with a dry-aged ribeye, wild mushroom risotto, or a cheese plate heavy on the aged cheddar. This is what thoughtfully made, terroir-driven Napa Cab should taste like.
Region: Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Farming: Certified organic
Winemaking: Aged in French oak, 20% new
ABV: 14.5%
Explicitly delicious.
