Portfolio
The Estate: Today
2021 - Present
FUTO’s current chapter begins in 2021 and represents the continuing definition of its vineyards, sites, and wine portfolio. The year 2021 realizes the formation of FUTO’s current wine offerings with the introduction of new wines and the further refinement of existing ones. Great wine results from the combination of phenomenal elements–vineyards, property, and the right people to provide vision, excellence, and continuity.
Read MoreIn 2021, Jason Exposto begins his thirteenth year and his twelfth as head winemaker. The value of having the same talented person overseeing and interconnecting viticulture and winemaking for so long cannot be overstated.
Leading the FUTO collection of wines in 2021 are two Cabernet Sauvignons–FUTO Oakville Estate, representing the Oakville site, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5500, the Cabernet Sauvignon from the property in the Stag’s Leap Appellation. Different in character, the pair of wines articulate the unique personalities and astonishing potential of both vineyards.
A new wine joins the FUTO portfolio. A complex blend based on Cabernet Franc–CFX features the very vines David Abreu recommended be planted on the northernmost site on the Oakville Estate with a north-facing exposure. The Cabernet Franc is supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Additionally, in 2021, SETA–a new line featuring a white and a red blend from the fruit of both estates–is introduced. SETA white is a rich, complex Sauvignon Blanc, while SETA red is an elegant blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon.
Finally, the FUTO Blanc continues to expand in vibrance and complexity, a dry, ravishing Sauvignon Blanc made from the highest plantings of the 5500 Estate.
![Futo Cabernet Sauvignon 2021](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-Oakville-Estate-Cabernet-Sauvignon-image_3_img_1-19948-large.jpg)
FUTO Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The combination of the inherent quality of our Oakville site and years of meticulous hillside viticulture has ultimately rendered Cabernet Sauvignon complete enough to carry our flagship wine on its own. Powerful, balanced, and complex, this pure Cabernet Sauvignon expresses the historical and evolving heart of FUTO Estate.
![FUTO 5500 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-5500-image_3_img_1-17908-large.jpg)
FUTO 5500 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Reflecting its rocky volcanic hillside origins, the FUTO 5500 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is massively scaled but retains superb purity and energy. A timeless wine that resonates with refinement.
![FUTO Blanc](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-Blanc-image_3_img_1-17921-large.jpg)
FUTO Blanc
A pristine expression of Sauvignon Blanc from our 5500 Estate. Very limited production.
![FPO](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-CFX-Estate-Red-Wine-image_img_1-17925-large.jpg)
FUTO CFX Estate Red Wine
CFX gives voice to the exceptional, north-facing planting of Cabernet Franc on the Oakville site. In combination with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cabernet Franc-centric wine is incisive with lithe structure and intense aromatics.
![FUTO SETA Red Wine](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-SETA-image_img_1-17923-large.jpg)
FUTO SETA Red Wine
A blend of grapes from both estates, The SETA Red is a pure expression of our rigorous viticulture and winemaking craft. Though the blend changes subtly from vintage to vintage, it remains primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance divided between Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
![SETA White Wine](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-SETA-Sauvignon-Blanc-image_img_1-17924-large.jpg)
FUTO SETA Sauvignon Blanc
The SETA White is made entirely of Sauvignon Blanc sourced from our two estate vineyards in Oakville and Stags Leap. The complementary nature of the sites yields a voluptuous, complex wine and compelling introduction to FUTO’s white wine making style.
The Estate: Chapter Two
2012 - 2020
FUTO’s second chapter is a story of growth and refinement through viticulture and winemaking–the development and honing of the Oakville Estate, the addition of the new property in the Stag's Leap appellation, and the integration and improvement of this property.
Read MoreThe 5500 property in the Stag’s Leap appellation included ten acres of vines planted in the mid-eighties primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. FUTO planted an additional four acres in 2015 on the crushed bedrock of an upper knoll with a south-eastern exposure, a significant detail considering Stags Leap’s overall western-facing orientation. The majority of the four acres were planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (2.8 acres), but a portion of this outstanding site was dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc (1.2 acres). From the onset with the 2012 vintage, the Stag’s Leap property has yielded a profound Cabernet Sauvignon, which is bottled under the label 5500, a worthy compliment to the Oakville wines.
In 2012, FUTO debuted the wine OV|SL, created to explore the harmonies between the two properties, which sit on opposite sides of the valley. The year 2018 also saw the introduction of FUTO’s first Sauvignon Blanc, a stunning wine farmed with the same meticulous nature as the Cabernet Sauvignon from the new planting on the Stag’s Leap property.
The 2019 vintage marked the first time the FUTO Estate from Oakville was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, which remains today, as well as the last vintage of OV|SL.
![FUTO OVSL](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-OVSL-image_img_1-17909-large.jpg)
FUTO OV|SL
The FUTO OV|SL showcases the synergy of our two estate properties. At its core are co fermentations of fruit from these hillsides that we believe are perfect foils for one another. Oakville is imposing and impressive with its broad-shouldered stature, while Stags Leap is a timeless beauty with classic proportions. This wine is proof that 1+1 can equal 3.
![FUTO Oakville](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-Oakville-Estate-Red-Wine-image_img_1-17883-large.jpg)
FUTO Oakville Estate Red Wine
A complex wine from a complex estate. The FUTO Oakville Estate Red Wine finds its feet with rich, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon, but leans heavily on Cabernet Franc for poise and finesse. Petit Verdot is layered in for good measure.
![FUTO Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-Oakville-Estate-Cabernet-Sauvignon-image_img_1-19948-large.jpg)
FUTO Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The combination of the inherent quality of our Oakville site and years of meticulous hillside viticulture has ultimately rendered Cabernet Sauvignon complete enough to carry our flagship wine on its own. Powerful, balanced, and complex, this pure Cabernet Sauvignon expresses the historical and evolving heart of FUTO Estate.
![FUTO 5500 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-5500-image_2_img_1-17908-large.jpg)
FUTO 5500 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Reflecting its rocky volcanic hillside origins, the FUTO 5500 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is massively scaled but retains superb purity and energy. A timeless wine that resonates with refinement.
![FUTO BLANC](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-Blanc-image_2_img_1-17921-large.jpg)
FUTO Blanc
A pristine expression of Sauvignon Blanc from our 5500 Estate. Very limited production.
The Estate: Chapter One
2002 - 2011
The first decade of FUTO establishes the location and expands its footprint. This era sees the planting of new vineyards and replanting of existing ones, the assembling of a dedicated and talented team–all while producing compelling wines that are, from the outset, well-received critically and commercially.
Read MoreFUTO Estate began in 2002 with the purchase of Oakford Vineyards, a compact but auspiciously situated property in the western foothills above Oakville, comprising forty acres of varied terrain with approximately seven acres of planted vines. It produced a small but prestigious brand, which developed a loyal following under the winemaking of Bob Levy, Heidi Barrett, Marco DiGiulio, and the vineyard stewardship of the esteemed David Abreu.
Before ever releasing a wine, FUTO purchased an adjoining 120 acres planting around seven of them to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. In the transition from Oakford Vineyards to FUTO, continuity is vitally maintained via the continuing presence of David Abreu, whose almost preternatural understanding of the site would become integral to FUTO’s growing identity. In 2004, FUTO hired Mark Aubert as founding winemaker. Together, Aubert and Abreu (internally known as the A-Team) oversaw the development of the new property and the replanting of existing vineyards, making inspired decisions that have allowed the wines to both excel and evolve over the ensuing decades.
FUTO’s inaugural estate wine debuts to acclaim in 2004. It is joined in 2005 by OV, a blend named in homage to the original Oakford Vineyards.
In 2008, FUTO conducted harvest in its new winery, designed by the acclaimed architect Howard Backen. That year Jason Exposto was hired as assistant winemaker to Mark Aubert. He took over full-time winemaking duties in November of 2009 and then building upon that foundation, all viticulture responsibilities in 2011. On the last day of 2011 after a six-year search, FUTO purchased an estate in the Stag’s Leap appellation beginning the brand’s next chapter.
![FUTO OV](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-OV-image_img_1-17922-large.jpg)
FUTO OV
OV is our nod to Oakford Vineyards, which once occupied part of the FUTO estate. For two decades Oakford grew and produced wines of character that were true to the property. OV acknowledges this history, the wines and the people behind both. The inaugural vintage, 2005, is a strong compliment to the FUTO. It is well structured and packed with dark cherry and smoky minerality.
![FUTO Oakville](http://s3.amazonaws.com/efcheckout/futowines/content/FUTO-Estate-Oakville-Estate-Red-Wine-image_img_1-17883-large.jpg)
FUTO Oakville Estate Red Wine
A complex wine from a complex estate. The FUTO Oakville Estate Red Wine finds its feet with rich, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon but leans heavily on Cabernet Franc for poise and finesse. Petit Verdot is layered in for good measure.