Récoltant, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 Récoltant is a relatively new project from Julien Fayard, whose winemaking credentials include work in France and California.  In Bordeaux, he worked at Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite before relocating to Napa Valley.  In Napa, he briefly worked for Quintessa and then was Philippe Melka’s director of winemaking before launching his own projects.  The fruit used for this wine is the remainder of what didn’t fit into the premium Cabernets of Le Pich and Purlieu wines.  This small production 100% Cabernet Sauvignon delivers blackberry and currant fruit lathered in lilacs and fresh cassis.  The wine finishes with finesse and polish.  It’s not often you find Cabernet of this quality for less than $50.