2021 Frisson Toucher Vineyard Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Finding Napa reds of this caliber at this price? Near impossible. Wines of this quality—crafted with precision, history, and passion—are rarely available at such an accessible price point. For a wine like this, you’d expect to pay much more. If you want a Napa red at its finest without the sky-high price tag, Frisson is your golden ticket.

The word “frisson” captures the essence of this wine – in French, it means "a thrilling rush, a burst of pure excitement that awakens the senses." This exhilarating experience lies at the heart of the wine’s bold story and philosophy. It’s a journey that combines Napa Valley’s raw power with Sonoma County’s refined grace, creating something far more than a drink—it’s a destination.

The Frisson story begins with an audacious dream shared by two powerhouse visionaries: owner Terry Davis and winemaker Wayne Donaldson. Together, they forged a path to craft exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon—wines that don’t just capture Napa’s magic but redefine it. Terry’s journey is inspiring. After retiring, he didn’t just sit back—he plunged headfirst into winemaking, turning his passion into a reality, and producing wines that speak with the authority of a seasoned expert.

Wayne Donaldson is the craftsman behind some of the most highly acclaimed wines in the world. With over three decades of experience and a résumé that boasts collaborations with Domaine Chandon, E&J Gallo, and Josh Cellars, Wayne’s name is synonymous with top-tier wines. His creations regularly score 90+ points from critics and have bagged Best of Show honors, including at the 2021 Experience Rosé Competition.

At the heart of Frisson is Wayne’s commitment to capturing the soul of the vineyard in every bottle. He’s joined by Paul Colantuoni, a winemaker whose unique expertise bridges Old World sophistication with New World exuberance. Having honed his skills across both Europe and the U.S., Paul brings a refined touch that adds layers of complexity and finesse to Frisson’s bold character.

2021 is looking to be one of the vintages of the decade. Wine Spectator awarded this year a 97pt review. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 95-98 point score, and said: "Two thousand twenty-one is a fabulous vintage in Napa Valley. That’s the good news. The not so good news is that production is down sharply, 30-50% in many cases. The wines have tremendous energy as well as finesse. In tasting, the 2021s show some of the savory intensity of other drought vintages – 2013 and 2014 come to mind – but with more aromatic explosiveness and greater inner sweetness."

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. The 2021 Toucher Vineyards red captures the core of this valley floor site. Layers of vibrant cassis, black cherry, and black currant interplay with savory infusions of graphite, sage, tapenade and tobacco that unfold in unwavering strata.

NYR

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