Napa Valley's Peju Province Winery in the Limelight
Napa Valley’s PejuProvince Winery in the Limelight
It’s been a fewyears since my last visit to Peju Province Winery, which was quitedelightful. I've been a fan of Peju wines for more than a decade. The current releases I recently tasted confirm the family owned winery clearlyremains on track, with talented VP of Winemaking and Operations Sara Fowler,their certified organic Rutherford Estate Vineyard, and sustainably farmedPersephone and Tess vineyards in Pope Valley, and the Wappo Vineyard in Calistoga.
Peju 2018Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley: The tropical aroma knocks your socksoff. Pure and varietally spot on, the grapefruit, fresh spring herbs,pineapple, guava and lime zest flavors intertwine, exhilarating thepalate. It remains bright and snappy with bracing acidity and afocused edge of minerality throughout, and the zesty finish lingers on and on.SRP: $25
Peju 2016 Merlot,Napa Valley: Fragrant forest berries and subtle floral notes engage thenose. Composed of 95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petite Sirah,it shows elegant structure and fine balance. Layers of blueberry,blackberry, savory notes, well-integrated oak and a hint of cherry vanilla colaunfold in the mouth. Velvety smooth from first sip through thecinnamon-laced memorable finish. SRP: $48
Peju 2015Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley: Deep, dark black fruits and savory spiceat first whiff speak clearly of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cassis, bittersweetchocolate, fresh olallieberries, black plums, a touch of tobacco and star aniseentwine with skillfully managed toasty oak. Complex with a solid backboneof tannins and balancing acidity, and the velvety texture is divine. Decant if opening now, or hold; this gem promises years of enjoyment ahead. SRP: $60
Peju 2015"The Farm" red wine, Napa Valley: This spirited blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Sangiovese offers up vivid blackberry andcherry aromas and flavors. Light on its feet and charismatic, it boastsblack currant, Bing cherry, hints of dusty earth, savory notes, and a sprinkleof cocoa powder. Easy to quaff with good depth and balance, and thefinish is long, bright and fresh. SRP: $80
Peju 2013 PetitTrois Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley: Wildly expressive, fresh pickedcherries and crushed herbs on the nose drive you into the glass. Vivacious and lively on the palate, where delectable layers of blackraspberries, Satsuma plums, cranberries, pomegranate, graphite, and spiceelements meld in harmony. Precisely balanced and silky smooth all the waythrough. A delicious example of stand-alone Cabernet Franc. SRP: $75
Peju 2017 The Experiment Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley: This tightly wound Cab Sauv is complex and deeply layered. Aerate to release the aroma more fully if opening now, or exercise patience, this is an ageworthy wine. Cassis, black plum, blackberry fruits at the core are accented by anise, fresh tobacco, a suggestion of leather, vanilla bean, nutmeg, and toasty nuances from aging in French, American and Hungarian new oak. Intensely built with firm tannins and immaculate balance, and the finish is everlasting. Extraordinary, and one for the cellar! SRP : $110
These beautifullycrafted wines give me compelling reason to visit Peju (along with sister wineryCalmére Estate) and taste the additional wines offered, and you may wantto include them on your “must visit” list as well.
Cheers, and HappyNew Year to all!
