Idiosyncrasy Sampler Pack 750 ml

At the heart of wine is the concept of terroir, the expression of the unique character of place in the finished wine’s structure and flavor. Underlying terroir is the intervention of the winemaker, imparting a unique signature on its articulation, coaxing this unique character to the surface — at its best creating something that is peculiar and singular: idiosyncrasy. a true expression of individuality.

We are beyond thrilled to introduce Idiosyncrasy: a brand-new exclusive label crafted by decorated winemaker Julien Fayard. His wines typically cost a mint, so how are we able to bring you this set for less than $200? Because part of the beauty of Idiosyncrasy is what it doesn’t involve: no marketers and no middlemen clamoring for their cut.

According to Fayard, making a great, affordable Napa Cabernet requires two main things: sourcing, and skill. The first we’ve got covered. For the second, we’ve got Fayard.

We have been headquartered in Napa long enough to forge deep relationships with the greatest growers in the area: passionate stewards of vines from the Valley’s most sought after terroirs, from the red soils of Oakville to the rugged slopes of Atlas Peak.

And who better to partner with on this project than Julien Fayard? Cabernet Sauvignon is Fayard’s forte, and his C.V. reads like the inventory of a Cabernet-lover’s dream cellar: He worked at Château Lafite and Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux before setting his sights on Napa, where he has worked with iconic winemaker Philippe Melka on projects like Gemstone, Dalla Valle, and Lail. These projects provided Fayard with a deep understanding of the Valley’s vineyards, and the proof is in the performance of his own wines, which have made legions of fans out of Wine Access members.

His highly allocated Purlieu wines have found themselves a permanent home in Robert Parker’s stratospheric 96-99-point range, and Le Pich, Fayard’s $50 Napa Cabernet, is one of the highest-rated wines ever on Wine Access.

And what we conceived on day one—a high-quality Napa Cabernet that brings fruit from top sites together with one of our most successful and beloved winemakers—is now in bottle and ready to share with Wine Access friends. This has been a long time coming, and couldn’t be more excited—for us, for Fayard, and for you.
 

WINE SET INCLUDES:

2016 Idiosyncrasy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($43)
The intent of this wine was to make a serious Napa Valley Cabernet that was approachable enough to be enjoyed anytime. The better part of the blend comes from one of the best vineyard sites on Howell Mountain, lending its structured black and blue fruits, with rest consisting of various appellations for Valley floor fruit, softening the tannins and making the wine approachable in its youth.  Further complexity is added by 50% new French and Hungarian oak and a touch of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Merlot - yielding a full bodied wine that drinks well on its own, but pairs well with a variety of foods.

2016 Idiosyncrasy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($48)
The Reserve is a step up in weight and body from the Napa Cabernet, meant for serious cult wine collectors to enjoy while their cellar is aging.  The core of the blend hails from northern Napa near Knights Valley, where the warmth of Calistoga gives the wine density and richness of black and blue fruits, with altitude of the vineyard contributing freshness and structure.  A touch of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot are blended in for perfume, breadth, and lush fruit respectively, then aged in 65% new French and Hungarian oak, giving the wine its rich, full-body, and complex profile.

2016 Idiosyncrasy Oakville NV Cabernet Sauvignon ($50)
The single-AVA expression of Idiosyncrasy is meant to speak specifically to its sense of place within the varied terroir of Napa Valley.  Hailing from one of the great vineyards located on an alluvial fan off the Mayacamas Mountains in Western Oakville, the quality of this wine shines through in the concentrated core of black cherry and currant fruit on the mid-palate, with tightly-packed, supple tannins, and firm texture. A touch of Petit Verdot and Merlot are blended in, further accentuating the contrast of depth and approachability of the Cabernet, with 70% new French oak adding toast, vanilla, and baking spice complexity to the finish.  

2016 Idiosyncrasy Atlas Peak NV Cabernet Sauvignon ($48)
The single-AVA expression of Idiosyncrasy is meant to speak specifically to its sense of place within the varied terroir of Napa Valley. Originating from an Icon property planted in the unforgiving stony soils high atop Atlas Peak, the terroir speaks through the wine in its muscularity, densely packed blackberry and blueberry fruits, and structured grip of its tannins. Blended with a touch of Malbec, adding a hints of perfumed complexity to the nose and rounded character to the mouthfeel, the wine is aged in 70% new French oak, adding notes of mocha, vanilla, and Mexican chocolate.