FUTO Estate 5500 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2022

FUTO Estate is an ultra-premium winery located at the top of a pocket canyon that offers jaw-dropping views over Far Niente, Opus One, and with a direct sightline to Dalla Valle, at equal elevation across the valley floor. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Tom and Kyle Futo purchased what was formerly Oakford Vineyards in 2002, a 40-acre site where Heidi Barrett was once the resident winemaker. Surrounded on three sides by iconic neighbors Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory, this unique property already had all the foundations for optimal elegance and style. Combine this distinguished vineyard location with the design of renowned architect, Howard Backen--a project that took 6 years—and the result is flawless luxury. The FUTO Oakville estate is predominantly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. After establishing their winery, the Futo family purchased another 40-acre property in the Stags Leap District, home to a 9-acre Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyard. The resulting wines from each site are undeniably Napa Valley at its very finest.

Jason Exposto, with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Lincoln University in New Zealand, has been crafting the FUTO wines since 2009. Before joining the team, Jason had worked with Bordeaux varietals in New Zealand, Australia, France, and here in Napa Valley alongside David Abreu. He took over the entire operation just one year in, following coaching from Mark Aubert in 2008 and 2009. Jason also oversees all aspects of vineyard management and viticulture- everything from grape to bottle is under his purview.

The FUTO 5500 comes from the family's Stags Leap District property.  Reflecting its rocky volcanic hillside origins, it's massively scaled but retains superb purity and energy. A timeless wine that resonates with refinement and is comprised of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot.  The winery's tasting notes for the 2022 are "vivid on the nose, fresh notes of crushed violet are surrounded by scents that are true to site: black cherry, wet stone, blue fruits and background cedar. On entry, the wine builds into a lively and ample mid palate concentration and depth, with waves of blue and red fruit layering. With air, suggestions of blood orange and crushed rose petal emerge. The finish is ultra-pure and succulent, with perfumed chiseled tannin."