2021 Les Vins Julien Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 750 ml

Julien Fayard gained fame making wines for the best: Lafite Rothschild, Dalla Valle, Lail, and so many more.

Today he’s one of the hottest consulting winemakers in the West, with first dibs on some of the greatest vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. But after years of winning 100-point scores for other people, he’s started funneling the finest fruit to his personal labels: Julien Fayard Wines and Les Vins Julien.

And in 2021, Wine Spectator’s top-rated California Pinot vintage of all time, he allocated just over two tons of Pinot Noir from a top Sonoma Coast site to craft the beautifully detailed and concentrated 2021 Les Vins Julien Pinot Noir, which boasts rich fruit, juicy acidity, and silken tannins—all hallmarks of Fayard’s winemaking.

Fayard’s years working with Philippe Melka and consulting for top-tier wineries helped him cement relationships with A-list growers. Now, Fayard’s Rolodex includes the elite and the iconic, such as Platt Vineyard, Beckstoffer To Kalon, Missouri Hopper, Georges III, and Sugarloaf. He works with the best terroir and nothing less, no matter what.

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. 

In his hands, this 2021 is simply flawless, with an intense array of aromas of red cherry and raspberry, plus subtle notes of cranberry and a hint of earthiness. It’s medium-bodied, with juicy acidity and silky tannins leading to a smooth, elegant finish with a touch of spice. The wine is a knockout. Each bottle in your case will develop beautifully for nearly a decade.