Familiar Air, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Just didn’t appeal to any of the four of us sharing it last night, and clearly fourth best among four bottles of similarly aged Napa cab. The bitterness noted by Frankenberry was off-putting to two of us.

Last vintage for Benoit. For me, this label has never impressed to the level of the pro review enthusiasm. Mostly Cabernet, with a huge dollop of Malbec (I have read, but JD states merlot). A very dark, inky appearing wine ( Malbec?), with mostly restrained black fruits, bitter chocolates and expresso, hint of olives. There was a bitterness on the palate that never quite faded. Decanted for an hour, drank over next three. hopefully Biagi can work better magic here

Familiar Air ran for 4 vintages with Benoit Touquette: 2013-2016. The wine took a hiatus for the 2017 and 2018 vintages but is now back with Tony Biagi making the wine.

This was my first Familiar Air. I am a big fan of the winemaker Benoit from his work at Fait Main, Hartwell, etc. This was very approachable at this young age, nice cabernet nose, nicely extracted blue and black fruits, smooth. A bit one dimensional at this early age. Not sure I am moved to buy more at this point in time, but will try another bottle in a year or so. It was definitely more approachable and satisfying than …

way tp young to determine the future taste

Not integrated with some heat on the finish. Tons of blueberry, vanilla, and spicey oak. Some graphite and tobacco keep it from going too over the top. Probably will improve in a couple years but made in a style to drink young.

I taste raspberry, blue berry the blend of the Petit VERDOT IS great