WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

WITH WINE COUNTRY CONNECTION AND

JULIEN FAYARD

His wines, consistently hailed for their exceptional quality and remarkable value, represent a harmonious marriage of Old World tradition and New World innovation. Each bottle, a testament to Julian’s unwavering commitment to vinicultural excellence, invites aficionados on a sensory journey of unparalleled delight.

As an avid admirer of Julian’s artistry, we are perpetually enthralled by his creations’ depth, complexity, and sheer brilliance. The opportunity to savor his wines is always met with eager anticipation, each tasting an experience that reaffirms his status as a true virtuoso of the craft.

A Conversation with Superstar Winemaker Julien Fayard

WCC: What is your favorite varietal to work with, and why?

Julien: If I had to keep one! It is like kids; you love them all for a different reason. My core focus has been Cabernet Sauvignon, but recently, Cabernet Franc has risen in interest in Napa, specifically introducing new flavors and balances suited for an ever-changing American palate. What is happening on the Sonoma Coast with Pinot and Chardonnay is also captivating in pushing new boundaries for California freshness and finesse, blurring lines with the old world.

My favorite part is to bring new flavors and something that our consumers have not yet tasted.

WCC: In your experience, what proves to be the most challenging aspect of being a winemaker?

Julien: Consistency. Winemaking is very challenging and usually for very resilient characters. It is a romantic profession on the outside and pretty brutal on the inside. You must have passion and grit simultaneously to deliver quality vintage over vintage.

WCC: How do you approach creating a new wine, and what factors influence your decisions in the winemaking process?

Julien: It is always a trifecta between the land, the owners, and the climate, trying to conduct all three to achieve a specific expression in line with what nature gives us and our expectations. The most elegant wines are the most simple in the approach. Trying to fit a style that is not adequate to the site will reflect in the wines. California and Napa, in particular, are still refining identities. Unearthing those taste profiles and characters that are stable over time, season after season, is the most exciting way to create flavors that precisely identify a site.

WCC: Are there any specific trends or innovations in the wine industry that you’re least excited about and why?

Julien: The one we have been working on the most is developing bouquets and aromatics in high-power, concentrated cabernets. It is a slow process that requires adjustments in the vineyard and winemaking to preserve the aging potential. You have to work on elements that are not visible and quantifiable today but will be in 10 to 15 years. We use a mix of traditional rules of winemaking, less scientific learning from the elders, and cautious, more precise winemaking.

The other is developing low-alcohol wines (11%—les vins julien) inspired by the likes of Tariquet in France. There is a large potential for better-made entry-level wines. We have been focused on building the best Cabernets, but there is a great need for entry-level to mid-range wines properly made. The American consumer is ready for those.

WCC: Can you share a unique aspect about yourself that people may not be aware of?

Julien: I am usually easy to find, but if you cannot, I am probably sitting in 50F sharky water enjoying nature’s swell.

Here are some wines Julien made. Click on the name to read more.

HERO 2022 by THE BEAU VIGNE COLLECTION CALIFORNIA RED WINE – Retails at $60 – Click here to view Your Price (Savings Applied Automatically at Checkout)

FACETS 2021 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON – $65

LE PICH 2019 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON – $55

TWO OLD DOGS 2022 OAK KNOLL DISTRICT SAUVIGNON BLANC – $29.99