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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Purlieu is a small Napa Valley project built around winemaker Julien Fayard, whose Napa Cabernets have earned a following among critics for their combination of opulence and freshness. The 2018 appellation-level Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with only 1,175 cases made, at about 14.6% ABV.
The winery’s tasting note: “Dark magenta in the glass, this muscular wine showcases Napa Valley terroir at its best. The nose opens with blue fruit and blackcurrant aromas that uplift and entice. A dense, richly fruited core of blueberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant commands attention, with subtler notes of graphite and baking spices adding dimension. Powerful and fresh, this full-bodied wine sustains spicy blueberry, clove and sweet dried mint aromas through a satisfying finish.”
Critics were enthusiastic. Vinous’s Antonio Galloni scored it 94: “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is fabulous. Silky tannins and plush fruit wrap around the palate in a super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon that has so much to give. Bright acids perk up the blackberry jam, mocha, licorice, spice and gravel flavors. The 2018 is fresh, vibrant and loaded with personality,” and added “I loved it.” The Wine Advocate scored it 93: “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon comes galloping out of the glass with energetic scents of ripe black cherries, fresh black berries and blackcurrant cordial plus nuances of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of wild sage. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, the palate is beautifully poised with bags of freshness countering the concentrated flavors and a fine-grained frame, finishing long with a minty kick.” Decanter’s panel found it “intense, black-fruited and metallic on the nose,” with “nearly opaque fruits mixing with black tea, graphite and gravel on the palate.” The scores are for the standard 750ml bottle; the magnum holds the same wine.
The 1.5-liter magnum holds two bottles’ worth of wine, about ten glasses, which makes it an ideal size for a dinner party, a holiday, or a gift, and large formats are widely thought to age more slowly and gracefully. The 2018 is already approachable, and it should drink well over the coming decade. Decant for an hour or more, and serve at about 62-65°F with ribeye, lamb, braised short ribs, and aged cheddar.
Purlieu 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Purlieu Wines (winemaker Julien Fayard) in Napa Valley, California, from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 1,175 cases produced. About 14.6% ABV. Presented in a 1500ml magnum, equal to two standard bottles.
Scores are for the 750ml bottle; the magnum contains the same wine.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous — 94 Points:
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is fabulous. Silky tannins and plush fruit wrap around the palate in a super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon that has so much to give. Bright acids perk up the blackberry jam, mocha, licorice, spice and gravel flavors. The 2018 is fresh, vibrant and loaded with personality.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 93 Points (November 2020):
“Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon comes galloping out of the glass with energetic scents of ripe black cherries, fresh black berries and blackcurrant cordial plus nuances of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of wild sage. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, the palate is beautifully poised with bags of freshness countering the concentrated flavors and a fine-grained frame, finishing long with a minty kick.”
Decanter (score not shown):
“Intense, black-fruited and metallic on the nose. Nearly opaque fruits mix with black tea, graphite and gravel on the palate.”
Purlieu Wines (winery notes):
“Dark magenta in the glass, this muscular wine showcases Napa Valley terroir at its best. The nose opens with blue fruit and blackcurrant aromas that uplift and entice. A dense, richly fruited core of blueberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant commands attention, with subtler notes of graphite and baking spices adding dimension.”
Nose
Dark magenta. Blue fruit and blackcurrant, with black cherry, cedar, cigar box, pencil lead, wild sage, and violet.
Palate
Full-bodied, rich, and fresh, with blueberry, boysenberry, blackberry jam, mocha, licorice, and graphite, with silky tannin and bright acidity.
Finish
Long and lively, with spicy blueberry, clove, and sweet dried mint.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Napa Valley, California |
| Variety | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Producer | Purlieu Wines — winemaker Julien Fayard |
| Production | 1,175 cases (750ml equivalent) |
| ABV | ~14.6% |
| Critics | Vinous 94 · Wine Advocate 93 · Decanter reviewed |
| Style / Identity | A rich, fresh, blue-fruited Napa Cabernet from a small-production project |
| Aromas & Flavors | Blueberry, boysenberry, blackcurrant, graphite, mocha, licorice, clove, dried mint |
| Bottle Size | 1500ml (Magnum) |
Decant for an hour or more; serve at about 62-65°F.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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