Wines

Winemaking

It should be no surprise that for a vintner so closely attuned to the aspects of winemaking driven by nature, the process for Julien starts in the vineyard. The cellar work of fermentation and aging are, as he describes them, “big steps that have to be done right.” But they’re steps preceded by everything that happens at the all-important vineyard level. Out among the vines is, to Julien, where the essence of winemaking takes place.

“I like to put a little more focus on the decisions made ahead of what happens in the cellar,” he says of his winemaking approach. “It's almost like what people picture as the central pieces of winemaking—fermentation and aging—are a consequence of the farming decisions.” From the vineyard to the winery, such execution allows this talented winemaker to leverage the style and quality of his Julien Fayard wines.

96-100
Vinous

Julien Fayard Sleeping Lady Vineyard

Cabernet Sauvignon

The pristine Sleeping Lady Vineyard sits beautifully manicured beneath the Mayacamas foothills in Yountville. For five generations, the fruit from this vineyard was sold to larger wineries, but when the Bettinelli family recently took over the property that changed. Today, Sleeping Lady is one of California’s “grand cru” vineyards, and Julien believes it represents the future of modern Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. Julien Fayard’s Sleeping Lady Cabernet Sauvignon offers unparalleled texture—notes of blackberry, ripe blueberry, black currant and licorice are intertwined with silky-smooth tannins for an ultra-velvety finish.

 

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Yountville
Napa Valley
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Cabernet
Sauvignon
C
l
o
n
e
Clone 7
Clone 30
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
140
Cases
95-97
Vinous

Julien Fayard Martinez Vineyard

Cabernet Sauvignon

The Martinez Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a dynamic example of high-elevation Pritchard Hill terroir, sourced from old vines that ripen perfectly. Focused mountain fruit brings brushed, silky tannins infused with minerality, along with warm cedar and allspice for a delicious journey of satisfying textures and aromas. Bold, bright, confident and charismatic, with an extra-long and refreshing finish. Full and sleek in the mouth, it shines with wonderfully sweet berries and red fruit balanced by firm structure and agile acidity.  

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Pritchard Hill
Napa Valley
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Cabernet
Sauvignon
C
l
o
n
e
Clone 4
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
140
Cases
92
Vinous

Julien Fayard Crazy 8 Vineyard

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is Julien’s inaugural release from the Crazy 8 Vineyard, a west-facing hillside site that hugs the Silverado Trail on the east side of the valley. Set on one of the Yountville AVA’s steepest slopes, the gravel soils of this site bask in the afternoon sunshine and produce dark, sweet fruit with luxurious textures. The nose presents a dense thicket of honeyed blackberries, with sweet aromas of blackcurrant jelly, allspice, and boysenberry preserves soaring over soft notes of freshly turned earth. The palate delivers on the aromatic promise with a core of intense wild berry, baking spice and espresso powder notes. Sleek and concentrated, this bold wine glides into a long finish of blackcurrant, clove, and a final note of fresh coffee.

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Yountville
Napa Valley
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Cabernet
Sauvignon
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
43
Cases
92-94
Vinous

Julien Fayard Platt Vineyard

Pinot Noir

Located near Bodega Bay just one mile from the Pacific Ocean, the Platt Vineyard is distinguished by its proximity to the sea. Stylistically different from the Cabernet Sauvignons that have defined Julien’s career, this wine shows pure red fruit, with a slightly briney character from the ocean’s influence. The cool, coastal climate allows for slower ripening of the fruit and lower alcohol. The aromatics are elegant, and the mouthfeel has plenty of structure and richness. Notes of fresh red cherries, earth, salt and lilac make the Julien Fayard Platt Pinot Noir a bright and balanced wine.

 

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Sonoma
Coast
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Pinot
Noir
C
l
o
n
e
Calera
Pommard
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
140
Cases

Julien Fayard Ritchie Vineyard

Chardonnay

This is the first Julien Fayard Wines release from the legendary Ritchie Vineyard, and it is spectacular. Racy and intense, this Chardonnay offers deep aromatic complexity with crisp acidity and elegant fruit. The fragrant nose brings aromas of golden orchard fruit, poached quince, honey and beeswax, with delicate traces of mace and fresh hay. In the mouth, ripe Anjou pears and golden apples share a bright Granny Smith acidity and stony mineral backbone. Layers of ground ginger and lovely sweet citrus gain warm notes of baking spice on the midpalate, lingering through the fresh finish of lemon and wildflower honey.

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Russian River
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Chardonnay
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
105
Cases
91-93
Vinous

Julien Fayard McGah Vineyard

Sauvignon Blanc

The McGah Family Vineyard is known for producing some of the most refined Sauvignon Blancs in Napa Valley. It sits on the east side of the Rutherford AVA, which pampers vines with well-draining gravelly loam soils, plenty of daytime heat, and reliably cool nights to retain fresh acidity at optimal sugar levels. Aged like a red wine in 100% new French oak for 18 months, the Julien Fayard McGah Sauvignon Blanc has a bigger mouthfeel that lends itself to its charming woody texture. Its sensible structure and bright aromatics will withstand time, making the drinking window for this wine similar to that of a Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Rutherford
Napa Valley
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Sauvignon
Blanc
C
l
o
n
e
Mondavi
Selection
Clone 1
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
140
Cases
94
Vinous

Julien Fayard Reserve

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a wine of magnificent power, crafted from multiple hillside vineyards spanning Napa Valley from North to South. The mountain fruit delivers a full-bodied wine with firm tannins and acidity. It is An approachable companion for weeknight dinners, it also possesses the structure needed to age in the cellar.

 

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Napa Valley
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Cabernet
Sauvignon
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
250
Cases
94
Vinous

Julien Fayard Classic

Cabernet Sauvignon

A blend of Coombsville and Yountville fruit, this wine is Julien’s interpretation of a classic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. It possesses structure and elegance, bright flavors and an aromatic freshness. Powerful notes of spice and black fruit are derived from the ripeness of the berries and excite the palate.

W
i
n
e
m
a
k
e
r
Julien
Fayard
A
p
p
e
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
Napa Valley
V
a
r
i
e
t
a
l
Cabernet
Sauvignon
P
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
250
Cases