In a remarkable achievement for a young winery, Fairest Creature's 2019 Triniceros Cabernet Sauvignon has been named the single greatest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon of the 21st century by Robb Report. The list, compiled by authors Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, featured 50 iconic Napa Cabernets, but the Triniceros secured the top spot, surpassing wines from legendary producers. The recognition marks a significant moment for the Napa Valley wine industry, highlighting the potential for newer projects to compete with established names.
The 2019 Triniceros is a blend of three barrels from separate winemakers—Thomas Rivers Brown, Benoit Touquette, and Philippe Melka—assembled by renowned consultant Michel Rolland. DeSimone and Jenssen described the wine as having "heady aromas of blue fruits, cocoa powder, espresso, black raspberry, and graphite with jaw dropping flavors of ripe red and black fruits, tobacco leaf, and brown baking spices supported by a sturdy backbone of minerality." The recognition underscores the quality that can be achieved through collaboration among top winemakers and meticulous vineyard sourcing.
Fairest Creature was founded in 2018 by Jayson Hu, who transitioned from a career in Silicon Valley to the wine industry. Hu started a wine import business nearly 18 years ago and spent years studying vineyards and wineries globally before launching his own label. He secured premier vineyard sources in Napa Valley and assembled a winemaking team that includes Melka, Touquette, Brown, and Rolland. The winery produces four wines from nine different Napa vineyards, with each winemaker creating a distinct wine from identical sources, plus a barrel selection blended by Rolland.
This accolade from Robb Report is expected to elevate Fairest Creature's profile significantly, as the list serves as a definitive guide for collectors and enthusiasts. The recognition also reflects the enduring appeal of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a winemaking history dating back to 1839. For a relatively new project to be hailed as producing the best Cabernet of the century so far is a testament to the vision and dedication of Hu and his team. More information about Fairest Creature and its wines can be found at FairestCreature.com.
