2022 Founding Brothers
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Tasting notes
Another beautiful 2022, the 2022 Founding Brothers offers spicy red cherries, currants, spicy wood, graphite, and tobacco in the aromatics. Based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc and aged 16 months in 50% new French oak with 20% in foudre, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, layered, elegant mouthfeel and good overall balance. This has both ripe tannins and integrated acidity and will keep for 10-12 years for sure. Drink 2025-2037.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Founding Brothers Red Wine is basically the second wine of the estate, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The intense black cherries and cassis notes carry a hint of gentle leafiness in this full-bodied wine, which shows a certain restraint and austerity when compared to the Hora and Thallo bottlings, and more concentration as well. The long, dusty, gently tannic finish suggests at least a decade of aging potential.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc sourced from 35-year-old vines and from vines in the foothills blocks. Hand-sorted, destemmed, and cold-soaked for five days prior to fermentation. 30 days on skins. Matured 16 months in 50% new French oak and 20% large foudres. Medium verging on deep ruby in colour. Balanced fresh red and black fruit with minerality and restraint. Super-fine tannin – supple and lithe with fresh acidity. Elegance over concentration. Fruitier than 2021. (SCJ)
About the producer
Cathiard Vineyard is the Napa project from Daniel and Florence Cathiard of Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte, one of the leading lights of Pessac-Léognan in Bordeaux.