La Pelle Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley 2021

As featured in notable publications, The Robb Report and The International Wine Report, La Pelle Wines was founded in 2016 by industry veterans Maayan Koschitzky, Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond and the brand continues to surprise us with the amount of interest and chatter between collectors and critics alike! La Pelle ~ The Shovel noun 1. Used by Winegrower and Winemaker alike 2. From the shovel’s first plunge into the vineyard soil, to its last scrape of the fermentation tank, La Pelle wines are equally crafted in the vineyard and in the cellar. Together they are a true collaboration between farmer and winemaker. Meet the Makers of La Pelle… Maayan Koschitzky ~ a Winemaker and Farmer originally from Israel. Screaming Eagle Alumni and now esteemed Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka’s venerable ATELIER MELKA. Miguel Luna ~ a Viticulturist and Winemaker originally from Mexico. Partner in Silverado Farming Company and recently recognized by Wine Enthusiast as “Viticulturist of the Year.” Pete Richmond ~ a Vineyard Manager and Entrepreneur originally from Northern California. Founder of Silverado Farming Company overseeing the farming for more than 600 acres of revered vineyards across Napa’s top appellations. With La Pelle, their advantage is controlling all of their farming and in addition, they have access to some of the finest vines in all of Napa Valley! 

Their impeccable work in the vineyards sets the stage for the production. With true experts managing both the vineyards and the winemaking, it is no wonder we have become completely smitten. The cornerstone of this emerging brand is to create intentional and charismatic, terroir-driven wines of insane value that, upon tasting them, immediately tell you a story and give you the most memorable first impression! Together, these incredibly talented men are dedicated to capturing the ultimate expression of the pristine sites from which the fruit is carefully sourced. 

Think Chablis, Chablis, Chablis!! This 2021 Chardonnay is beaming with brightness and salinity. Harvested from the oldest block within the famous Bien Nacido Vineyard planted in 1973, these vines are majestic and beautiful with large gnarly trunks and arms. The wine these vines produce is elegant and refined, golden light straw in color, with aromas of green apples, pears, lemon, and floral honeysuckle notes. The grapes were handpicked overnight by Miguel and his dedicated team, then whole cluster pressed into stainless steel tanks for a few hours before being transferred into barrel. Following a very long fermentation with only native yeasts, they left the wine to rest on its lees to build the body and texture. The nose is vivid with aromas of lemon zest, peach skin, and freshly squeezed citrus. On the mid-palate, the wine has a delicate velvety structure, hint of oyster shell, lemon curd and bright acidity. The judicious 20% new French oak influence rounds the palate and lingers with refreshing layers of tropical flavors. This wine is gorgeously expressive and will continue to evolve over time. Only 250 cases produced and nothing short of excellence in this gorgeous vintage!