Plenty of wines claim to capture the “spirit of California”. A top-bracket nomination for that honour is winemaker Andy Erickson and viticulturist Annie Favia’s Leviathan. Their deft touch shows: Leviathan is a rich, full wine that is almost miraculously light on its feet. Comprised of  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Syrah,  Merlot, and  Cabernet Franc, this is a small-production wine that highlights the complexity derived from sound blending and careful handling. Each vintage is finely-tuned, intended to be bright and fruit-driven in its youth, yet entirely worthy of cellaring. A wine crafted with the single goal of being from the constraints of appellations, yet made with fruit from notable vineyards throughout California.

Leviathan boasts an intense mix of fresh boysenberry, black cherry and plum jump from the glass with cocoa powder, allspice and nutmeg. Its earthy elements of rocky northern California hillsides include Bay Laurel, sage, cedar, dry red earth which speak to its origins. Supple and balanced tannins of this rich wine lead to a long savoury finish with hints of graphite and star anise. Approachable now and built to cellar.

“Lots of black olive, tar and asphalt with black fruit. Medium to full body with firm and linear tannins that run the length of the wine. This is a multi-region blend with a large percent from Sonoma. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 13% petite syrah, 7% syrah, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.” 93 points, James Suckling, November 2022

“The 2020 Leviathan is terrific. Soft and floral, the 2020 impresses with its open-knit personality and overall appeal. Crushed red berry fruit, spice and floral accents lend brightness. The 2020 is not as opulent as most vintages, but that’s not a bad thing at all. If anything, the lighter style is quite appealing. Moreover, the tannins are very nicely balanced. Andy Erickson did a fabulous job with this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.” 90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, October 2022