“The wine is a very real metaphor for the favorite people in our lives—bold, layered, interesting, confident with gentle, soft edges.”
Christi & Dave Ficeli, founders of C. Elizabeth
image courtesy of C. Elizabeth
Strong women and the power of love inspired the creation of C. Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2002, Christi and Dave Ficeli were newly engaged lovebirds and enjoying a quiet night out in Napa. As the conversation turned towards their future, Christi and Dave determined that wine would be an integral part of the life they were building together.
"We decided to create a wine that reflected our personal values, of the importance of family and friends, quality over quantity, and authenticity and passion in all that we do." The winery's name was inspired by three generations of strong and confident women named Elizabeth on Christi’s side of the family, including Christi - it’s her middle name. Fueled by their love for each other, family, the land, and Cabernet Sauvignon, C. Elizabeth debuted with the 2014 vintage.
C. Elizabeth's Game Farm Vineyard is in the heart of Oakville, in Napa Valley, and consists of two distinct blocks: Rock Pit on the south and Trailside on the north. Believing that American oak is the best match for their fruit, they work with select cooperages for their barrel program and are particularly fond of Pennsylvania and Missouri oak. Their wines are aged in a combination of new and neutral American oak barrels to achieve a rich palate expression. Winemaker Bill Nancarrow hails from New Zealand and has an impressive track record in Napa.
I recently enjoyed a vertical tasting of C. Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon that featured the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 vintages. Each was a unique snapshot of that year, but shared a common thread of balance, complexity, and vibrant fruit expression.
Tasting Notes
2017 ($150): Young but ready to sip. Crisp bright fruit with some floral notes. From now until March 15, 2021, C. Elizabeth will donate 50% of all sales of the 2017 C. Elizabeth Game Farm Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon to the Napa Valley Community Foundation in support of their efforts to provide fire relief for those impacted by the wildfires of 2020.
2016 ($150): Silky & rich red and black fruit. An intriguing hint of iron rich red meat.
2015 ($125): Rich black fruit with herbal and savory accents.
2014 ($125): The debut vintage and an impressive introduction to the C. Elizabeth style. Rich and velvety. Red and black fruit with hints of chocolate, vanilla and spice.
