Located in the recently minted Coombsville AVA, just east of the city of Napa, Farella Vineyard has been quietly producing some of the best Cabernet that Napa has to offer. With a mere 26 acres under vine, this modest estate was originally planted in 1979 to Cabernet Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. While the vineyard has gone through some changes in the last 35 years, the outstanding quality has never once lapsed. Here’s what you need to know…

The Farella Vineyard was planted in 1979 and became a bonded winery in 1985. Planted on a west-facing slope, it showed itself early on to be an outstanding site for Merlot and Cabernet. Early vintages of Opus One had a healthy dollop of Farella Cabernet in it. In fact, Opus One and Robert Mondavi Winery had what might be charitably called a healthy competition for certain rows in the Farella vineyard. Additionally, Napa legends Far Niente, Paul Hobbs, Pahlmeyer, Quintessa, Realm (who recently was recently given a glowing review by Robert Parker) and others have also utilized its grapes.

Addition to selling grapes, Tom Farella produces estate bottlings. Sharing the winemaking responsibilities with Massimo di Costanzo (the former day-to-day winemaker at Screaming Eagle, who also has a few 100 point wines under his belt), Tom is making superb wines that warrant attention. Probably the most serious Merlot in Napa is made here as well as outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. Both have wonderful aging potential and come in at a more than reasonable price given the age and acclaim of the vineyard.

Farella Merlot 2011