“Julien Fayard’s Purlieu range is composed of a number of wines from both Teucer, the estate vineyard, and other top sites across the valley. The wines are made in Fayard’s signature style that seeks textural richness and intensity.” – Vinous

HOLD UP! Purlieu?!

WE drink a LOT of Napa Cab. Probably too much, in fact. But this is one we’d never pass up.

Made by THE Julien Fayard it’s simply one of the best values in the Napa Cabernet game. And it over-delivers BIG TIME at our price today. Still can’t believe what we landed… these NEVER get discounted deep, let alone seen much outside of their mailing list.

Released at $115, and you’ll have a very hard time finding it for much less than that ANYWHERE. So, our price… a Purlieu UNDER $50?! We might have to take cover for a while and ride this one out. The risks we take for our Operatives!

Julien hails from just outside Lyon, France. With a few wine degrees under his belt from UC Davis, he set off to conquer the winemaking scene, starting at Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Smith-Haut-Lafitte, among others. Then he landed in Napa Valley. He worked alongside the illustrious Philippe Melka, producing extraordinary wines from Lail, Vineyard 29, Metisse, Dalla Valle and MANY other high-end producers.

Then he set sights on his own ventures - Purlieu and Le Pich in particular. The latter being the second wine of Purlieu. But THIS - this is the real deal. This Cabernet pulls fruit from premium sources - Beckstoffer To Kalon, Missouri Hopper, Martinez, and Teucer - none of which were made into their own single vineyard in this vintage, so guess what’s in here! Like prior vintages, it “hits the palate with authority, serious extract and richness” to borrow a phrase from one of Wine Advocate’s reviews. Jeb Dunnuck says for another Purlieu: “If this beauty doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will.”

Rich, powerful, floral, and extracted as you might expect from Fayard – yet still, it remains balanced and nimble. Jammin’ with a deep well of sweet fruit, with dark red cherry, cassis, and ripe blackberry at the core. A supporting cast of caramel, chocolate, plums, savory herbs, and sweet tobacco with whisps of vanilla and toasty oak round it out. Soft, sweet tannins, and terrific acidity keep it all held together in balance. It sits right up there with many other crown jewels of Napa. While the clandestine deal today sits WAY lower than anything comparable.

Very little of this one, so move swiftly. To the victors go the spoils!

91+ Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The Purlieu 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a very beautiful wine. Sleek and impeccable in its balance, the 2020 is charming right out of the gate. Hints of black cherry, mocha, spice, new leather and chocolate are all nicely integrated in this mid-weight offering from Purlieu. Drink 2023-2027.”