2018 La Magdalena
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Tasting notes
The 2018 La Magdalena—a 60-40 blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon—reveals less refined aromatics than the stunning 2019, but it also comes across as being more intense, richer and earthier, with dark fruit flavors. Medium to full-bodied, tannic yet ripe and rich, it's velvety in feel, finishing long and plush. Sourced from Oakville Ranch, above Dalla Valle at the eastern side of the AVA, and aged 22 months in 50% new French oak, it's another terrific effort from the husband-wife duo of Andy Erickson and Annie Favia.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Next up, the 2018 La Magalena comes from the Oakville Ranch Vineyard and in 2018 is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Incredible notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, tobacco leaf, violets, and spring flowers all emerge from this beauty, and it hits the palate with flawless balance, full-bodied richness, a great, great mid-palate, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. Probably a candidate for perfection in 5-7 years, this is a magical Bordeaux blend from an incredible terroir as well as a great winemaker. Hide bottles in the cellar for 5-7 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 30 years or more.
The Favia 2018 La Magdalena is a powerhouse. Huge swaths of tannin wrap around a core of inky dark red fruit as this hulking Cabernet Franc-based wine starts to open in the glass. Readers will have to be patient with the 2018, as it is rather imposing at this stage. Mocha, dried rose petal, spice and a whole range of savory notes linger. All I can say is: Wow!
The 2018 La Magdalena is one of the most polished wines I have ever tasted here. Favia's Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend pulses with intensity from start to finish. In 2018, La Magdalena appears to be a bit more nuanced than in the past. There is plenty of power, but less of the bombastic intensity that has marked some previous editions. Mocha, espresso and floral notes wrap around a core of dark fruit effortlessly.
About the producer
Favia is the personal project of cult winemaker Andy Erickson and leading viticulturalist and winemaker Annie Favia. Working in Coombsville and Oakville, they craft single-site, elegant expressions of top Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that are some of the valley’s highest-rated.