Located in Ciudad Real, which is a province in Castile-La Mancha, Valdepenas is a wine region that is surrounded by La Mancha, which is an independent region with a very long history as far as wine making is concerned. Known for mixing red and white grapes, the most well-loved vineyards are located in Los Llanos in the western part of the region, and Las Aberturas which is located in the north or Valdepenas. There are 29,600 hectares of vines in the region.
The continental climate in the region is quite extreme with cold winters and very hot summers. Classified as semi-arid the temperatures can reach up to 104° in the summer and are considered semi-arid. During the winter it is not unusual for the mercury to drop to 14°. Drought is not unusual during the warmer months, while frosts can occur during the late spring and early fall.
The region is located on top of a plateau, and surrounded by lush hills. The soil in Valdepenas has a high lime content, and is on top of a subsoil of calcium carbonate meaning good moisture retaining properties. The soil is poor in organic matter, and very pebbly. It is shallow and dark red in color with a high lime content, which often forms hard crusty layers that have to be broken up to help the roots penetrate.
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Faust Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
"Cabernet’s classic aromas and flavors star in our 2021 Faust Napa Valley. Delicate violet notes lift the dark fruit on the nose—black currant and briary blackberry—layered with pungent forest botanicals, leafy tobacco, graphite, and toasted spice. The velvet of fine-textured tannins backs expressive red fruit flavors on a complex palate, both sweet and savory with mocha and minerality, juicy ripe fruit and freshness.” — DAVID JELINEK, WINEMAKER
Faust Cabernet Sauvignon—a blend of our Coombsville vineyard fruit with lots from other cool sites in the valley—sets the bar for elegant balance in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2021, cooler-thanaverage temperatures produced that balance naturally, with flavors and tannins reaching maturity against a backdrop of ideal acidity levels. The wine is deliciously versatile, with generously ripe fruit that makes it an appealing sip on its own, but also enough lively acidity to make it an ideal partner for a range of foods.
The winter of 2021 brought little rain and deepening drought conditions in Napa Valley, setting up a vintage of low yields and small, concentrated berries. At the same time, temperatures from spring through the growing season ran slightly cooler than normal, lengthening the ripening period after veraison. Sugar levels rose very gradually while acidity levels remained high and bright. As a result, the fruit came in with notable flavor intensity, supple and mature tannins, natural complexity—balanced between ripeness and vibrant freshness
Review:
Inviting aromas of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries as well as crushed walnuts, cedar and bark. Full-bodied, creamy and structured with firm, polished tannins. Balanced and even with a lingering finish.
-James Suckling 95 Points
At the foot of Spring Mountain, the vineyard produces soil and mineral-driven cabernet sauvignon with aromas of ripe blackcurrant and damp earth. A dense palate of blackberry and cassis flavors harmonize with intense mineral expressions bolstered by soft, lush tannins.
Review:
Superb aromas of blackberries, currants, crushed stones, conifer and wet earth. Menthol, too. Full-bodied with a dense center-palate, yet it remains agile and persistent. Lovely character and richness at the finish, but not overpowering. Another three or four years will make it better, but already gorgeous.
-James Suckling 98 Points