At Julien Fayard, they focus 100% on varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc that are balanced and precise renditions of these noble varieties. Originally from Provence, Julien Fayard is one of Napa Valley’s most respected consulting winemakers producing California varietals with French finesse. Formerly of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, he lends two decades of winemaking expertise to more than a dozen different brands, including the highly-rated Le Pich and Purlieu wines, as well as his own labels—Azur, Covert Estate and Empreinte.

Julien began his career as a winemaker producing quality rosé at his family’s winery in Provence. In Bordeaux he worked at Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite before relocating to Napa Valley. In Napa, he was Philippe Melka’s director of winemaking for a few years before launching his own products.

Winemaker: Julien Fayard