100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Food pairings: Grilled ribeye and other red meats, roast or braised lamb, venison, a hearty burger, earthy mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as cheddar and gouda.

Winemaking: Le Pich is the sister label of Purlieu, crafted by Napa winemaker Julien Fayard, whose wines aim for balance: healthy fruit at peak ripeness, with power and also with freshness. The 2021 is pure Cabernet Sauvignon from a vintage widely praised in Napa Valley for its low yields, small, concentrated berries and moderate, even growing season, delivering an ideal balance of vibrant freshness and delectable ripeness.

Vineyards and terroir: The fruit is sourced from top vineyard sites throughout the Napa Valley, including Pritchard Hill, Oakville and Rutherford, and from Coombsville, where the small Teucer Vineyard supplies both the Purlieu and Le Pich Cabernets. Fayard relies on strong relationships with the best growers and walks the vines daily, making sure every cluster receives just the right nourishment and stress for perfectly balanced fruit.

Winemaker and history: The name Le Pich comes from a Wappo Indian word meaning "golden eagle", the hunting birds often seen soaring above the vineyards and pictured on the label. Julien Fayard began his career making rosé at his family's winery in Provence, worked at Château Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux, and after moving to Napa Valley was Philippe Melka's director of winemaking before launching his own projects. He holds masters degrees in agri-business and winemaking from France and an MBA from UC Davis, and crafts wines that are a pure expression of their terroir with French finesse.

In the pictures: Winemaker Julien Fayard (courtesy of Purlieu Wines), and a barrel cave (courtesy of Purlieu Wines).