From a young boy raised on a farm in Nebraska to the reputable winery owner in Napa Valley that he is today, Lawrence Fairchild of Stones Wine is a prominent figure in the winemaking industry. Known for his top-class cabernets from both the Stones Wine and Fairchild Wine labels, Mr. Fairchild’s passion for winemaking is characterized by his desire for perfection above all else. We at The Extravagant discuss with Lawrence the profound art of wine.
How did you first become interested in wine and wine-making?
“Having grown up on a farm in rural Nebraska, it would be an understatement to say that my wine passion came from my environment; although my love for terroir and finely produced products did start on the farm. While I was attending the University of Nebraska, “Scotch Club” on Fridays was my entry into tasting – probably the James Bond brand of the moment. I was then fortunate while working on Capitol Hill to have staffer friends that loved the (free) National Symphony performances on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building – which included charcuterie, cheeses, …….and wine.”
What do you personally believe makes a great wine?
“Winemaking at the highest level in the world is an interesting process, as it entails approximately twenty (20) layers of detail over a period of years; a number of which have to be perfect, or as close to perfect as humanly possible. First and foremost is the vineyard location and soil, and applying farming practices that allow the vines to prosper, while at the same time providing a stress level that allows for depth and concentration. Without perfect grapes, there is no perfect wine. We follow through with every detail of winemaking; sitting on the skins for extended periods of time to enhance depth and structure; then finish with the best French oak barrels in the world.”
Where did your passion for French wines begin and how do you believe that passion has influenced Stones Wine?
“When I moved to San Francisco to pursue my professional interests, there was a small, fine wine shop down the street from my office conducting eight-week long wine courses; the first of which focused on Burgundy, followed by Bordeaux. The evening classes featured and discussed the different micro appellations, soil structures, winemaking, and a tasting of 10-15 different wines from multiple producers. Having the opportunity to taste and compare some of the best Burgundy and Bordeaux wines in the world–as it related to the soil and the winemaking style–was as good of an entry as you could get. It was fascinating, and set my passion for the soil, wine, and the art behind it. Understanding the importance of terroir is what made Stones what is it today.”
Do you believe that your family’s background in agriculture has contributed to your success at Stones Wine. If so, what particular part do you believe it has played in the grand scheme of things?
“I have come full circle with farming and agriculture, although farming vines is slightly more technical and romantic than corn and soybeans. What did come from such a hands-on agricultural environment was understanding the importance of quality farming and seeing that the level of detail from one fence line to the next varied drastically. Farming the Stones vineyards in the Napa Valley is similar, in that the detailed level and attention to the farming and to the grapes determines what goes into the bottle.”
Can you take us through your process for selecting a vineyard? What particular characteristics do you pay most attention to?
“The vineyard characteristics: rocks, gravel, and more rocks. Rocky soils provide perfect drainage, more stress on the vines, layers of minerality – chalk, graphite, lead pencil, sage…all of the flavor profiles that I love in a great wine. The second most important characteristic is exposure – preferably southwest facing allowing for perfect sun and air. I seek out vineyards years in advance; tasting the grapes and walking the land for that perfect moment.”
How would you both compare and differentiate Stones Wine and Fairchild Wine?
“The Fairchild wines were my first two Cabernet Sauvignons beginning in 2005; produced in very small amounts. Stones was created in 2011 and featured my entry into rocky to extremely rocky vineyards. Fairchild and Stones are produced with the same high-quality standards; the difference being the vineyard terroir, all from different locations, with the Stones vineyards displaying more rock and minerality. And of course, the Stones packaging and design. Stones labels, packaging, and presentation were designed to be the most artistic, exquisite and collectible in the world. Designed at the level of Hermes and Cartier, each bottle resembles art and should feel like a special gift. The Stones labels are hand-made in France, all hand applied. The wood cases made from white French oak sourced from France. Our clients love and appreciate our level of design detail.”
In addition to your passion for wine, you are a very creative individual which reflects both in your personal style as well as the label and packaging of your wines. To where do you trace your passion for design?
“My love for fashion and design dates back to (surprisingly) Nebraska, where I may have been the only university student reading GQ and buying entry level Armani. And today, I may be the only Napa Valley winery owner that wears runway Valentino and Gucci, and is comfortable rocking it. Although I have never studied architecture, I spent years pouring over architecture and design books and magazines; fascinated by the aesthetics of color, fabrics, and interior and exterior design combinations. My current residence feels like a small art gallery; simple, but with great pieces that I love. I have begun collecting large- and medium-scale, original modern art. The pieces provide me with label and design inspiration that I will incorporate into my future special wine projects.”
When you first launched Stones Wine did you intend for the winery to sell its product solely to wine club members?
“Providing our wines only to our private client members is a fortunate result of producing very limited amounts of wine of very high caliber, and not having enough wine to meet the demand. Early on with the Fairchild wines, I did not have that luxury. I want to begin providing our wines to select restaurants throughout the world once we have more wine available; primarily to 3-Star Michelin.”
Your 2013 Stones No 1 was simply a masterpiece. Many other Napa Valley wineries crafted exceptional Cabernets that year; however what do you believe set your vintage apart from other great makers?
“The 100PT 2013 Stones No. 1 was start to finish a magnificent wine. My winemaker friends joke with me that my 98 & 99PT wines must have a flaw! Our Stones No. 3 also received the honor of a perfect 100PT score with the 2016 vintage. For the 2013 vintage, I focused more on blacker fruit and greater extractions for all of my wines, resulting in huge depth on the palate. The 2013 Stones No. 1 achieved that goal.”
We’ve heard that you are going to produce a Chardonnay in the not to distant future; with that said, what characteristics can we expect from your first white wine?
“I had one directive for my winemaker; to create the Chassagne-Montrachet / Pulingy-Montrachet of Napa Valley. The best Chardonnay ever made in California; as Burgundian as possible. We did it.”
Where can we follow you?
“Follow us on our Instagram @Stoneswines, our website Stoneswines.com. Or contact members@stoneswine.com to be added to our waiting list for exclusive releases.”
Images courtesy of: Stones Wine via Quinn PR
