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The Return of Cult Napa’s Greatest Value
Andy Erickson’s Favia Cuvee, Back After a Decade
Andy Erickson made Screaming Eagle’s 100-point 2007. Now his own Favia Napa Valley Cabernet is back after a decade, with 98s from Decanter, The Wine Palate and James Suckling. Robb Report calls it “a stunning return.”
• In Stock · Oakville 2023 Arrives Early November
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A Personal Note
Dear Artisans,
If you don't know Andy Erickson’s name, you definitely know his wines. When Heidi Barrett stepped away from Screaming Eagle, its new owners hired Andy to follow her, and the 2007 he made there earned a perfect 100 from Robert Parker. It has sold at auction for more than $3,000 a bottle (which is actually a "steal" now!) Over his career he has made or consulted on wines for Harlan, Dalla Valle, Mayacamas, Ovid, Dancing Hares, Arietta, Staglin, Seven Apart, Hartwell, Jonata, and more that I'm forgetting.
Andy visited our store, and we were completely blown away by the remarkable balance, nuance, freshness and restraint of his own wines: Favia, the label he makes with his wife, viticulturist Annie Favia. Today we have four of them, led by a wine that has been gone for a decade.
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Andy Erickson at Artisan, pouring his own Favia |
Back After A Decade
Favia used to make a Napa Valley Cabernet, a blend of its Coombsville and Oakville vineyards. The last one was the 2012, and Robert Parker gave it 98 points: “This is another great wine that is flirting with perfection.” After that vintage the fruit was split into single-vineyard wines, and the Napa Valley disappeared.
The 2023 brings it back. Robb Report covered the return in July: “Favia discontinued its Valley cuvée in 2013 to focus on single-vineyard wines, but it just made a stunning return.” It is roughly half Coombsville and half Oakville, 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 21% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, and Decanter, The Wine Palate and James Suckling each gave it 98 points. Half The Price Of Its Siblings
Favia’s single-vineyard Cabernets sell for $250 to $300 a bottle. The Napa Valley was set at $150, and Jancis Robinson reported why: Favia’s backers in Oakville want it to offer value, at “half the price Favia used to be.” Our price is $149.99, against $167.00 elsewhere.
The 2023 growing season was, in Wine Spectator’s words, “long, even and relatively cool,” and you can taste it. Jancis Robinson found the wine “much fresher than the Napa norm,” and Decanter’s Georgina Hindle wrote, “Total finesse.” Favia made 3,000 cases, more than in any vintage before, and the single-vineyard bottlings run a fraction of that.
The Two Hands Behind Favia
Annie Favia spent more than a decade as David Abreu’s viticulturist, and her own firm farmed the Abreu and Screaming Eagle vineyards. She and Andy founded Favia in 2003, working out of their home in Coombsville. For years they hardly promoted it; Jancis Robinson once found that Annie had never sent out samples. The critics found the wines anyway. Antonio Galloni called the 2019 Coombsville “one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Andy Erickson and Annie Favia.”
Now they co-own, with the Huneeus family, an 86-acre estate on the Oakville Cross Road, between Opus One and Groth. They farm with organic and biodynamic methods, and the San Francisco Chronicle calls them “one of Napa Valley’s star winemaking couples.”
The Double 99, Arriving In November
The 2023 Oakville Cabernet comes from Oakville Ranch, high in the eastern hills, on dynamite-blasted, iron-red rocky soils Favia farms with Phil Coturri, plus a little fruit from the new estate. Decanter and James Suckling both gave it 99 points, and Wine Spectator counts 1,077 cases. It is on pre-order now and arrives at the beginning of November. Reserve yours and we will let you know the day it lands.
Two More, Already On Our Shelf
The 2021 Coombsville comes from three vineyards in Coombsville, Annie and Andy’s home appellation. The Wine Independent and Decanter both gave it 98, and Vinous said it “captures all the pedigree of this great vintage.” The 2022 Oakville drew 98 from James Suckling: “No hard edges here.”
James Tran
Artisan Wine & Spirits
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Why This Matters
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The Screaming Eagle hand. Andy followed Heidi Barrett at Screaming Eagle and made its 100-point 2007. Favia is his own label, with Annie Favia. |
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A triple 98 at $149.99. Decanter, The Wine Palate and James Suckling, on the Favia priced at “half the price Favia used to be” (Jancis Robinson). |
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Back after a decade. Robb Report on the 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet: “a stunning return.” |
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The double 99, on pre-order. Decanter 99 and James Suckling 99 on the Oakville 2023, arriving at the beginning of November. |
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The Four Wines At A Glance
Every score, every price. Full reviews on each card below.
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Wine #1 · Back After A Decade
2023 Napa Valley Cabernet. The Triple 98.
Decanter, The Wine Palate and James Suckling: 98, 98, 98. Robb Report: “a stunning return.”
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Favia Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023
Coombsville & Oakville · Napa Valley · 750 mL
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98
Decanter
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98
The Wine Palate
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98
James Suckling
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94
Wine Advocate
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93
Wine Spectator
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Five critics, from 93 to 98, and a note from Jancis Robinson. Every review:
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Decanter · Georgina Hindle
98 Points
A brand new wine from Annie Favia and Andy Erickson with mainly Oakville fruit from next to Opus One. Gorgeous aromatics on the nose, black chocolate, ripe blackcurrants. Supple and alive, this has energy from the get go, a tangy undercurrent of acidity that really enlivens the senses with cherry, cranberry and plum. Total finesse, lots of flavour but so seamless and integrated with tannins that give structure and hold your attention but don't overwhelm in any way. Strong but elegant and long. Floral, scented and peppery - this has Andy and Annie's fingerprints on it and I love it. Such a juicy, smile-inducing finish too with a salty, blood iron and orange rind tang. Gorgeous. February 2026
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The Wine Palate · Lisa Perrotti-Brown
98 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color. It shoots from the glass with vivacious notes of cassis, wild blueberries, and red-currant jelly, giving way to hints of violets, licorice, and dark chocolate with a touch of menthol. The full-bodied palate is dense with black-fruit layers, supported by amazing tension and a very firm structure of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with incredible length and depth. Wow. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. July 2026
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James Suckling
98 Points
In a new beginning for Favia, an equal blend of Coombsville and Oakville represents the best of both appellations—the fresh, savory, mineral edge of the former intertwining with the deep flavor and floral lift of the latter. Layers of fruit, supported by graphite, dried herbs, flowers and spices, lead to a luscious yet refined palate with finely tuned tannins and a bright line of acidity. A complete, balanced expression of Napa. 75% cabernet sauvignon, 21% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Excellent. Drink or hold. December 2025
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Jancis Robinson
Tasting Note
Backer Agustin Huneeus Jr says he wants the wine to offer value; the plan is to price it at $150 a bottle, ‘half the price Favia used to be’. … Fresh and inky – much fresher than the Napa norm. October 2025
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| Elsewhere: $167.00 |
| Our Price |
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$149.99 / bottle
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| In stock · ready for Thanksgiving |
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Wine #2 · Pre-Order · Arrives Early November
2023 Oakville Cabernet. The Double 99.
Decanter 99 and James Suckling 99: “in near-perfect harmony.”
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Favia Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2023
Oakville Ranch · Napa Valley · 750 mL
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99
Decanter
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99
James Suckling
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97
The Wine Palate
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96+
Wine Advocate
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96
Vinous
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96
Wine Spectator
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Six critics, from 96 to 99. Every review:
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Decanter · Jonathan Cristaldi
99 Points
Sourced primarily from Oakville Ranch, along with select fruit from the estate’s Oakville holdings, this wine consistently captures the signature character of Oakville, almost regardless of vintage. Aromas of classic Oakville spicebush and sagebrush are lifted by a touch of minty bay laurel freshness, layered over gorgeously dark berry fruit. A dusty, loamy earth minerality adds depth and nuance. On the palate, powerful tannins build through the full-bodied finish, supported by a firm spine of juicy acidity that lends tension and structure. The wine shows impressive energy and drive, remaining positively fresh in this vintage. Aged for 19 months in 50% new French oak. March 2026
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James Suckling · Ryan Montgomery
99 Points
Flirtatious and enticing, showing a floral, aromatic and earth-driven edge underneath the pure blue and black fruits. The palate is in near-perfect harmony, showing seamlessly integrated tannins and a rounded, textural mouthfeel balanced by acidity and finesse. A true expression of Oakville, complemented by the cool, refined vintage. 96% cabernet and 4% petit verdot. Excellent now and for decades to come. Drink or hold. December 2025
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The Wine Palate · Lisa Perrotti-Brown
97 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (coming from Oakville Ranch) comes barreling out with bold notes of warm cassis, blueberry pie, and violets, plus hints of anise and underbrush. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with vivacious black fruit and savory layers, framed by firm yet velvety tannins and great tension, finishing long and spicy. (Drink 2028-2050) July 2026
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Wine Advocate · Joe Czerwinski
96+ Points
A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville—like the other Favia Erickson wines—spent its élevage in approximately 50% new French oak. Hints of pencil shavings and dusty earth frame black cherries in this full-bodied wine. It's rich, tannic and velvety, so it should have a positive evolution, with seductive, savory hints of mocha on the lingering finish. May 2026
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Wine Spectator · James Molesworth
96 Points
Delivers a pretty fancy experience, from its alluring aromas of menthol, warm loam and cassis to its core of blackberry and black cherry preserves and finally to the tobacco- and walnut husk–etched finish, which steadily drips fruit. Long, fine-grained and poised, this is set up nicely for extended cellaring. Best from 2027 through 2043. 1,077 cases made. October 2026
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
96 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is somber and brooding. Blackberry, gravel, dried herbs, menthol, sage and incense open first, but only with great reluctance. Huge tannins make themselves felt on the finish. The 2023 should be terrific once the tannins soften and the aromatics start to open. Today, it's a tightly wound ball of energy. Readers will have to be patient. I look forward to tasting this again in another few years' time. Most of this fruit is from Oakville Ranch, but there is a bit from the new Favia estate as well. November 2025
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| Elsewhere: $300.00 |
| Our Price |
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$269.99 / bottle
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| Pre-order · arrives early November |
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Wine #3 · The Coombsville 2021
2021 Coombsville Cabernet. Their Home Vineyards.
The Wine Independent and Decanter both gave it 98. Wine Spectator: “a gorgeous red.”
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Favia Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Coombsville · Napa Valley · 750 mL
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98
Wine Independent
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98
Decanter
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97
Vinous
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97
James Suckling
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96+
Jeb Dunnuck
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96+
Wine Advocate
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Seven critics, from 96 to 98. Every review:
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The Wine Independent · Lisa Perrotti-Brown
98 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville explodes with bombastic notes of creme de cassis, black cherry preserves, and boysenberries giving way to nuances of cedar, graphite, and lavender oil. The full-bodied palate is jam packed with intense black and blue fruit layers supported by a solid line of firm grainy tannins and amazing tension, finishing long and with wonderful purity. 2027-2052. February 2024
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Decanter · Jonathan Cristaldi
98 Points
Sourced from three Coombsville vineyards: Meteor, The Rabbit Hole, and Collinetta. A glass-staining ruby-purple colour. Intensely aromatic blackberry and cherry fruits are pure, precise, and layered with fragrant cedarwood notes, white pepper, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied with unctuous and concentrated dark berry fruits that have a satiny quality, framed by velvety fine-grained tannins and gobs of red liquorice, aromatic violets, and graphite. So dense and tightly packed and yet so fresh and inviting. May 2024
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
97 Points
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, offers tons of nuance and Coombsville character. Savory and wonderfully deep, the 2021 captures all the pedigree of this great vintage. Lavender, crushed rocks, graphite and rose petals all run through this fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon. (Drink between 2026-2036) December 2023
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James Suckling
97 Points
This is full of aromas of lead pencil, black berries and black currants. Deep and dark. Full to medium body, with juicy and layered tannins and a flavorful finish. Very grapey. Precise and focused. Real Coombsville character. Drinkable and will age beautifully. November 2023
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Jeb Dunnuck
96+ Points
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville is all varietal that, like all these latest 2021s, was brought up in 50% new French oak. It has more blue fruit as well as a full-bodied, incredibly layered style in its full-bodied aromas and flavors of graphite, scorched earth, tobacco, and obvious minerality. It's a big, concentrated 2021, but it nevertheless holds onto a beautiful sense of freshness and balance, which is what I think sets this vintage apart. As with the La Magdalena, it's not for the instant gratification crowd, since it probably won't hit full maturity until a decade after the vintage, but I'd be shocked if it didn't have 30 years of overall longevity. (Drink between 2023-2053) December 2023
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Wine Advocate · Joe Czerwinski
96+ Points
The muscular 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville features aromas of pencil shavings, crushed stone, cassis, dried thyme and sage. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, concentrated and firmly tannic but also juicy and long on the finish. Great potential here, just be patient. 2027-2045. October 2024
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Wine Spectator
96 Points
A gorgeous red, with a deep well of black currant preserves, steeped plum and blackberry reduction moving in lockstep, while warm earth, cast iron, sweet bay and tobacco elements flash throughout. Offers a lovely violet echo on the finish, which shows suave polish while staying grounded in its terroir. Best from 2026 through 2040. 710 cases made. November 2024
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| Elsewhere: $305.00 |
| Our Price |
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$259.97 / bottle
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| In stock · ready for Thanksgiving |
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Wine #4 · The Oakville 2022
2022 Oakville Cabernet. No Hard Edges.
James Suckling 98: “in almost perfect harmony and balance.”
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Favia Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2022
Oakville Ranch · Napa Valley · 750 mL
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98
James Suckling
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97
Decanter
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96
Jeb Dunnuck
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95+
Wine Advocate
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93
Vinous
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Five critics, from 93 to 98. Every review:
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James Suckling
98 Points
This is in almost perfect harmony and balance, showing aromas of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, dried herbs and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is seamlessly integrated with finely tuned, refined tannins and bright acidity. No hard edges here. Great energy and freshness with underlying tension. Excellent. Drink or hold. July 2025
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Decanter · Jonathan Cristaldi
97 Points
Alluring aromas of crunchy dark berry fruit and savoury sagebrush, underpinned by red dust minerality that layers itself seamlessly on the palate. The structure is powerful and intensely fragrant, with loamy earth, robust tannins and full-bodied volume. A firm spine of mineral-laced acidity drives the wine forward, bringing salinity, tension and remarkable energy to the long, compelling finish. Aged for 19 months in 50% new French oak. March 2025
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Jeb Dunnuck
96 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is cut from the same cloth, with a beautiful nose of red and black fruits interwoven with graphite, savory herbs, chocolate, and tobacco nuances. It too is medium to full-bodied, has impressive depth and concentration, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's another beautiful wine from this team that readers will love over the coming 15+ years. (Drink between 2025-2041). January 2025
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Wine Advocate · Joe Czerwinski
95+ Points
Faintly herbal, with some thyme and sage notes coming through the black cherries and cassis, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville ideally needs a bit of time, but it isn't entirely unapproachable. As usual, it's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville Ranch. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it's velvety textured and long on the finish. 2028-2045. October 2024
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
93 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville , from Oakville Ranch, is relatively soft and fruity next to the other wines in the range. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice, cedar and new leather are front and center. Here, too, the balance is impeccable. This should drink well with minimal cellaring. (Drink between 2026-2034) December 2024
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| Elsewhere: $305.00 |
| Our Price |
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$259.97 / bottle
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| In stock · ready for Thanksgiving |
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The Bottom Line
The Screaming Eagle winemaker’s own Napa Cab, back after a decade. A triple 98 at $149.99.
The 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet is back after a decade with 98s from Decanter, The Wine Palate and James Suckling, at $149.99 against $167.00 elsewhere. Behind it: the double-99 Oakville 2023 on pre-order, the Coombsville 2021 and the Oakville 2022.
Open the Napa Valley this Thanksgiving, reserve the Oakville 2023 before it lands in early November, and lay a few bottles down. This is how Napa Cabernet tastes when it is made with restraint.
Cheers,
— James Tran
Artisan Wine & Spirits
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$149.99 · DM 98 · TWP 98
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$269.99 · DM 99 · JS 99
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$259.97 · TWI 98 · DM 98
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$259.97 · JS 98 · DM 97
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| Shop All Favia → |
• In Stock · Oakville 2023 Arrives Early November
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