“A harmonious blend of French finesse and Napa’s robust character.” – Decanter

In the immortal words of Spinal Tap guitar god Nigel Tufnel, “This one GOES TO 11!”

Here at WineSpies HQ, we are big fans of the iconic heavy metal mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, which hits theaters again this week. So, it’s only fitting that today we’ve got a Napa Valley red crafted by a true winemaking rockstar!

That rockstar is Julian Fayard. Born in Saint Etienne, France, and earning his winemaking stripes at Bordeaux’s legendary classified growths, Fayard has been lighting it up after moving to California. Per Decanter, “Nicholson Jones reflects winemaker Julien Fayard’s expertise and proprietor Cal Nicholson’s vision. Fayard, whose background includes experience at Bordeaux estates like Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte.” During his work with the illustrious Phillipe Melka, he helped set new standards at Lail, Vineyard 29, Dalla Valle, Quintessa, Realm, Purlieu, his very own Covert Estate… and more!

When marketing maven Cal Nicholson founded Nicholson Jones, he brought Fayard on board to serve notice to the rest of Napa Valley that he was not messing around - the gauntlet had been thrown, and Nicholson was clearly out to make some of the best wine in the region.

Case in point: this stunner. Per Vinous “Fayard makes the wines for proprietor Cal Nicholson in a modern, lush style built on texture and richness. The heart of the range is comprised by the Proprietary Cuvée, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.” The secret proportions come together in 100% new French oak and, like Spinal Tap’s amplifiers, it goes ONE LOUDER.

You see, there’s Napa Valley bold, and then there’s Nicholson Jones Napa Valley bold. Brambly boysenberry fruit, ultra-plump plums, violets, graphite, dried spearmint, smoked game, and pillow-soft tannins… It’s all like a frenetic but perfectly structured electric guitar solo in your mouth. And just when you think it’s over, yet another wave of flavor hits even longer, higher palate notes!

Only 6 barrels made in this vintage, and a lot less remains. Nicholson Jones has sold out of their mailing list stock, and you’re not likely to find it anywhere else at this point. And definitely not with $50+ savings. Crank the stereo up to 11, grab as much of this as you can, and get ready to get rocked!