At a glance

Producer

Faust

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$70-100 USD (as of 2024, depending on provenance and condition)

Tasting profile

Mature blackcurrant, dried plum, cassis, tobacco leaf, leather, forest floor; oak well integrated with subtle vanilla, cedar and a hint of earthiness.

Evolution: Fruit character fading, more emphasis on savory and tertiary notes.

At peak: Textbook mature Napa Cabernet Sauvignon complexity, developed tertiary aromas, softened tannins.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Resolved, fine-grained

Alcohol

Moderate to high (14-14.5%)

Aging potential

Not recommended for extended additional aging; will decline over next 24 months.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2017 to 2021

Optimal window

2016 to 2023

Current status

Nearing end of optimal drinking window; mature but still holding.

Current condition

Fully mature; notes typical of developed Napa Cabernet, with some tertiary complexity. Drink soon.

2011 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon was intended for mid-term cellaring. The vintage's overall structure allowed it to peak within 6-12 years; it currently shows classic mature Cabernet traits but is on a gradual decline as primary fruit recedes and tertiary/oxidative notes increase.

Food pairing

Best with grilled steaks, braised lamb, aged cheddar, mushroom dishes, or roasted vegetables with herbs.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Faust employs sustainable farming (cover crops, drip irrigation, minimal pesticide use), energy-efficient lighting and solar panels at winery, and lightweight glass for packaging. Water conservation programs are in place.

Faust demonstrates meaningful sustainability through Napa Green certification, renewable energy use, and thoughtful farming and water conservation. The estate is not certified organic or biodynamic, and some chemical inputs are still used, but Faust's environmentally conscious efforts (especially solar power and packaging) place it above average for Napa. The carbon footprint is typical of California producers—better for domestic drinkers, less so with global transport.