2022 Le Pich Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

Antonio Galloni of Vinous counsels his readers to buy the most affordable bottles from the greatest producers. That way, he says, you know that every wine they make is going to be somewhere between outstanding and just tremendous.

That's our philosophy when it comes to the most accessible bottles from Napa Valley's 100-point Cabernet craftsmen—and it sums up why Julien Fayard's Le Pich is by far one of the most popular Cabernets in the history of Wine Access.

This is one of the greatest Cabernet values out there. From the winemaker behind the uber-collectible Purlieu and JF labels—who has also made wines for Quintessa, Dalla Valle, and Lail—it delivers the power, the finesse, and the outright gratification you expect from a Cabernet twice the price.

Fayard's years working with Philippe Melka and consulting for top-tier wineries helped him cement relationships with A-list growers, and now his Rolodex includes the elite and the iconic: Just look at Purlieu's lineup, which features To Kalon, Missouri Hopper, Georges III, and Sugarloaf. He works with the best terroir and nothing less, whether it's for Purlieu, JF, or Le Pich.

While his California consulting work has unlocked some incredible sources, Fayard's winemaking philosophy follows the lessons he learned during his time working at Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Smith Haut Lafitte: hyper-focused attention to detail and restraint in the cellar.

Putting unparalleled fruit in the hands of a meticulous winemaker delivered this bold, nuanced 2022 Le Pich, showing a deep ruby-purple core with a nose of ripe blackberry, cassis, and black cherry laced with violet, graphite, and crushed sage. The palate is plush and expansive, with waves of blackberry compote and crème de cassis framed by polished, fine-grained tannins and a fresh streak of acidity.