2021 Fait Main Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard Oakville Napa Valley 750 ml

“Another thrilling wine from Touquette,” is how Jeb Dunnuck describes the ‘21 Fait-Main Tierra Roja in his 98+ point review, which puts it up with $360–$749 bottles from the likes of TOR and MacDonald. Swirling with aromas, voluminous, rich, and built on velvety tannins, this is a Cabernet of unparalleled pedigree—as good as it gets. 

When Bordeaux native Benoit left his home for California’s Cabernet epicenter, he aimed for the top—so he positioned himself deftly alongside Andy Erickson at Ovid and Screaming Eagle. He also chose a stellar mentor in Michel Rolland—the world-famous consulting winemaker whose name is on 100-pointers by Harlan, Bond, and Araujo. The men remain close to this day.

Tierra Roja’s history goes back a million or so years, when a rockslide moved volcanic earth from high in the Oakville hills down to the valley floor. The vineyard’s andesite-rich soils inspired the name, which means “red earth.” The iron-rich soil is particularly well-suited for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which is why this spot is the epicenter of some of Napa Valley’s finest wines. 

Although many elite neighbors are nearby—Tench, Rudd, Backus, and Screaming Eagle among them—Tierra Roja has the most in common with their neighbor a few steps up the hill, Dalla Valle. 

Next to no one gets their hands on Tierra Roja’s fruit. But in the 2021 vintage—which Wine Spectator just declared a “classic” that eclipses both 2019 and 2015—Realm winemaker Benoit Touquette got a TINY share of grapes for his own label. 

This is an inaugural bottle that collectors will wish they picked up when they had the chance. Don’t miss yours.