Faustini Money Road Chardonnay Oakville 2016

Having spent time at both Opus One and Clos du Val, Winemaker Kian Tavakoli brings a wealth of knowledge in Napa Valley to the team at Faustini Wines. What lured him to this project was pretty obvious: the opportunity to make Cabernet Sauvignon in his own style from some of the most elite Cabernet vineyards in the world. Whether it be Beckstoffer Dr Crane in St. Helena, Galleron Road in Rutherford, Howell Mountain, or Coombsville Vineyard, each brings with it incredible prestige and uniqueness. For Kian, the choice was an easy one.

In the excellent 2016 vintage in Napa, Kian had little work to do. With ideal weather all throughout harvest, he crafted the Faustini Money Road Chardonnay off the vineyard of the very same name located in the Oakville AVA. The picturesque vineyard off Oakville Crossroad is platinum rated vineyard known for its ideal combination of soil & climate and some of the big A listers that source fruit. Kian’s Money Road Chard is still youthful despite having a few years of age, probably as a result of its 18 months of slumber in 1/4 new Oak.

It has classic notes of apple, pear and tropical and peach aromas. On the palate, the integrated oak compliments the lifted acidity beautifully, with a layered and full-bodied palate profile, leading to a refreshing, vibrant and balanced finish.