2020 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Salvation
Community Tasting Note
sid_loves_wine Likes this wine:
Monday, September 25, 2023 - Very enjoyable and immediately expressive. Made in an entirely "modern" style, with big rich black fruit (blackberry preserve, plum compote, dark cherry, not "baked" or jammy, just very forward) and a bit of flashy oak (vanilla, allspice) that didnt overwhelm the fruit. Not much more to it than that on the nose or palate, but I really enjoyed the intensity and presence of it- tannins aren't excessively harsh, and there's enough acidity there to keep it focused.
One thing that was a bit less successful was the high ABV, with some sharp fumes on the nose at times, and a lingering heat on the finish. I don't shy away from high-ABV wines (I've had good experiences with Mollydooker, when the time is right!) It simply wasn't so well-integrated here. It could work better with some rich food to temper some of that intensity.
I'm rating this based on the price we paid, $50, which begins to approach good QPR- pricing seems to vary a lot, with some closer to $75 (much less appealing at that price.) This reminded me a lot of the entry level Turnbull Cab, just with a bit less balance/elegance- and also of the entry level Pine Ridge Cab, but with a bit *more* balance and elegance.
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2 comments have been posted
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Comment posted by bestdamncab:
11/24/2023 4:11:00 AM - Faust is best tasted aafter cellaring it 5-7 year old mark to avoid ABV challenges.
Comment posted by sid_loves_wine:
11/24/2023 9:38:00 PM - Good to know that it usually integrates. It was still really enjoyable, just slightly out of balance.