2017 Le Pich Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Brooding cassis and red fruits, with darker black fruit and mineral aromas on the nose. The palate brightens into a ripe strawberry, raspberry and boysenberry core, layered with notes of black licorice and nutmeg. Fluid and smooth, this wine blends rich fruit complexity, elegant freshness, and well-integrated tannins. This vintage is delightful at release, but also worthy of cellaring another 2-6 years. 100% of the fruit was picked and vinified before the fires and Julien kept with his philosophy of “grape to bottle”, meaning no additives in the production of the wine. Straight from the vineyard to the bottle. 2400 cases produced – 15.4% alc.  

Winemaker Julien Fayard worked briefly at Quintessa before signing on as Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka’s distinctive wine consulting company Atelier Melka, specializing in small production, handcrafted high end wines. It was here, working with a variety of clients including Lail Vineyards, Gemstone, Dalla Valle, and more that Julien further developed his winemaking style, while also gaining an intimate understanding of the valley’s vineyards and establishing strong relationships with its many passionate, quality-dedicated growers. He has a contagious spirit and a generous attitude with his peers in the industry that ultimately spills over into his craft. He is currently the man behind celebrated brands Purlieu, Covert, Empreinte and Matthew Wallace, each of which have become incredibly sought after over the years, while availability is becoming more and more scarce.