La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2020

Nothing goes down smoother poolside or on the porch swing than a crisp, refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Especially when it’s made by the uber-talented team at La Pelle. We helped to launch this brand a few years back and have happily watched as the wines have raked in accolades and our clients have stuffed our inboxes with more requests. The La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc release always seems perfectly timed to tap into exactly what we are craving during long, warm afternoons in Wine Country. Bright, citrusy, and thirst-quenchingly yummy, it’s the luxury adult version of that nostalgic sidewalk lemonade stand treat. 

Maayan Koschitzky learned farming and the art of winemaking in his native country of Israel, had his first stint in the Napa Valley at Screaming Eagle as a harvest intern, and today he holds the venerable title of Director of Winemaking at Philippe Melka’s ATELIER MELKA. La Pelle’s other luminary partners are Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond, founders of Silverado Farming Company. Together, they create high-quality wines that exude freshness and acidity balanced with complexity and depth. Silverado Farming’s clients consist of impeccable properties like Vineyard 29, Melka, Dana Estate, Opus One, and Round Pond, so it’s clear that this team commands the highest respect for the management of their small, premium brand’s grapes. Put everything together, and we are smitten, as will you be too.

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this bottling practically come from our backyard here in St. Helena and were pressed whole cluster into barrels for the traditional cold fermentation and aging process. As a result, this wine is extremely expressive, balanced, and fresh. Beautiful, delicate aromas of citrus zest, clementine, lychee, and white peach give way to vibrant acidity with tension and weight on the palate. A long finish lingers with mixed tropical fruit, hints of lemon zest, and a touch of French oak. Just 10 barrels produced.