2012 Futo

Futo is an 11-acre boutique winery on the Oakville Grade, in Oakville, one of Napa Valley’s premier areas. The winery was started in 2004 when the husband and wife team of Tom and Kyle Futo bought the property. The couple is originally from Wichita, Kansas, where Tom Futo built a career in financial investment. Like many Napa Valley boutique wineries aspiring to cult status, Futo produces Cabernet Sauvignon which in its earliest vintages earned high marks from reviewers, including Robert M. Parker Jr., who notes that “Tom and Kyle Futo are intent on producing something of world-class quality…” Grapes come from Futo’s Oakville and Stag’s Leap District vineyards. Futo hired some of Napa Valley’s biggest names in winemaking to help them achieve that goal. David Abreu is vineyard manager, Mark Aubert is winemaker “emeritus,” and Jason Exposto is winemaker.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.