2022 Heart of FAY Cabernet Sauvignon

ABOUT HEART OF FAY

Winemaker Marcus Notaro created this wine to showcase characteristics from the center, or the heart, of FAY Vineyard. The Heart of FAY Cabernet Sauvignon – which is distinctly aromatic and silky in structure – exemplifies the complexities of a vineyard where Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted in the Stags Leap District in 1961.

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

In 2022, the Heart of FAY is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon was primarily picked from Block 4. The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels and bottled with minimal filtration.

VINTAGE

The 2022 vintage was the third year in a row of drought. Following the 2021 harvest, we received a record rainfall of 11.20 inches at the end of October, resulting in saturated soil. Unfortunately, the rest of the winter was remarkably dry. We began the 2022 season with early mowing and tillage to conserve as much soil moisture as possible. There was an unusual hail/rainstorm at bloom that reduced yields in some vineyards. This was followed by a late frost in mid-April, but thankfully we did not get extreme freezing temperatures. Spring weather was very unpredictable, with a mix of cool, warm, and hot days. To add to the excitement, Mother Nature gave us some late June rain that increased the mildew pressure across the valley. It wasn’t until mid-July when we reached our typical summer temperatures. The rest of the summer saw average temperatures and good growing conditions. Then, just at the start of harvest, we experienced a nine-day heat wave with record temperatures. Despite the drought and extreme heat at harvest, with careful attention to the timing of our work in the vineyards, we brought in exceptional fruit. Overall, the wines from this vintage have riper flavors and softer acid structures.