by Andrew Chalk
This is an interesting wine on several levels. On one level it is a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon for only $50, a bargain price for Napa’s premier grape. On another level it is a wine without a story. Rather, it is an exclusive creation for online wine retailer Wine Access. They hired respected winemaker, and Philippe Melka protegé, Julien Fayard to make it. I don't know who designed the label, but it looks like an exhibit at a museum of modern art and reminds me of the Justin label.
The result is an intense purple wine with an opaque core and translucent meniscus. The nose exudes the sweet fragrance of pyrazines, roundness of cedar, and familiar fruitiness of blackberries and black cherries.
On the palate, Fayard has expertly struck just the right balance of fruit and tannin, making a wine that has backbone in the mouth but luscious fruitiness in the finish.
Overall, this is a wine that can be quaffed or paired with steak or prime rib.
Sample