Faust 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Want to dip your toe into the pool of high-end Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? Faust Cabernet delivers a deluxe experience without the sticker shock of the ultra-premium Cabs.

Just A Glass Before I Go

We’ve just completed a major migration and life milestone. After more than two decades in northwest Ohio, we pulled up stakes and moved to Fuquay-Varina in North Carolina. (Oh that it were that easy!).

Our farewell party was orchestrated by the Green Dragon. My wife selected the theme of a “mismatch” party. This was because almost all of our clothes, glasses and belongings were packed up and ready to load on the moving van. We were left with random remnants. Guests were encouraged to wear wildly mismatched outfits. They certainly did – my eyes are still hurting.

I’ll relate more of the details – and the wine – in the near future. One thing that wasn’t mismatched, however, was our choice of Cabernet, the 2014 Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Affordable Luxury

Faust is the brainchild of long time Chilean born Vintner, Agustin Huneeus. He is well known for opening ultra-premium winery Quintessa in Napa. With Faust, the focus is on Napa Valley Cabernet. If you are looking for a Faust Chardonnay, forget it. Fruit for Faust is from Huneeus family vineyards in Rutherford and Coombsville plus small lots from areas such as Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder, Oakville and St. Helena. These are some of the prime Cabernet sites in all the world.

The 2014 vintage of Faust costs $55, but I’ve seen it online for five bucks less. It compares very favorably to Napa or Sonoma Cabs that cost $75 to $100. The quality in winemaking is evident from the moment the cork is popped.

In the glass this is a dark ruby and a dense wine. On the palate the wine coats, with lush flavors of black cherry, cocoa and herbal notes. There is a rich, rewarding finish.

We served bratwurst and a variety of side dishes were brought by party-goers. The main pairing for this bottle, however, was friendship. Dancing, eating, drinking and socializing went on well into the evening. The Faust was a superb wine to savor while we reflected on past experiences and times shared with good friends.

We’re now about 600 miles from tasting team members Cabernetor and Glorious T, which whom we’ve shared many bottles and adventures. We’ve already talked about doing some virtual tastings together – to tide us over until the fall when we will be together again in Sonoma.

Faust is highly recommended as a Napa Cab that won’t batter your budget, and whose quality will make memories with your best friends.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.