Mission Codename "O thou invisible spirit of wine!" - Shakespeare
“Sensational wines” – Jeb Dunnuck
This easily covers the spread at $100+.
But under $50!? An incredible value that makes other similarly priced Cabs seem like hot dog water.
That’s right gang, we’re back with another smashing good, FRESHLY RELEASED, Julian Fayard made, Beau Vigne! And yes, it brings terrific scores - 94 WA - we’re guessing more big ratings on the way (as the ‘18 that got a 97 from The Tasting Panel!) Every vintage brings an ever-expanding stack of glowing social reviews to back it up too.
Of course, Diehard Napa Cabernet fans already know Beau Vigne - whether through us recently, or from when they splashed onto the scene in the early 2000s with huge scores. Robert Parker labeled them “one of my favorite wineries.” and they’ve amassed countless 95-100-point wines. Taking over Kirk Venge after the 2018 harvest, today they have 100-point winemaking stud Julien Fayard (Lafite Rothschild, Smith Haut Lafitte, Melka, Quintessa, Realm, Covert Estate) running the show… and man, he’s just crushing it.
It might have a feminine name on the label, but it delivers raw strength, bred from the heights of Atlas Peak. It dishes out that deep complexity, and teeth-staining power only found in mountain Cabs. Give it some air and then revel in the layers of boysenberry, plums, maraschino cherry, and blackcurrant liqueur. There’s an intriguing savory/spicy edge too, with cigar box, licorice, and roasted coffee beans in the mix. The finish surmounts for easily over a minute of plush, silky tannins undermining the deeply extracted red and black fruits. If there is a match made in heaven for it, we’d bet on beef ribs, either slow-braised or smoked until they are falling off the bone.
It’s obvious why The Tasting Panel says, “Juliet is a savory beauty romanced by a sonnet!”
These always sell out - make sure you move fast.
94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Sourced from high in the Vaca Mountains (up to 2,500 feet above sea level), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet—96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 84% new French oak—boasts expressive scents of dark cassis, pencil shavings and licorice on the nose. Full-bodied and concentrated, bolstered by ripe, silky tannins, this super effort from winemaker Julian Fayard finishes with ample length and just a touch of warmth. Drink 2023-2040.”
What the Winery Says
2019 'Juliet' Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemakers
- Julien Fayard
- Varietals
- 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Verdot
- Vintage
- 2019
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Appellation
- Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
- Bottling date
- June 2021
- Aging
- 19 months
- Barrels
- 85% new French oak