La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019

We can think of few other Cabs from Napa that have this pedigree and depth, especially for $75/btl. We love this wine and our sources say it is well-loved among wine lovers spanning the globe. 

"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 and are a true collaboration between farmer and winemaker." 

For partners Maayan Koschitzky, Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond, "La Pelle" is French for "The Shovel," an iconic symbol for viticulture and the vinification process, the shovel is the single tool which is used both in the vineyard and the cellar, first as it breaks through the soil and last as it removes the final grape deposits from the tanks prior to barreling down for aging.

Knowing that Maayan 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 holds the venerable title of Director of Winemaking at Philippe Melka’s ATELIER MELKA where his talents are profoundly notable, yes, we were absolutely waiting for a project such as this. La Pelle’s other luminary partners are Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond, partner and founder, respectively, of Silverado Farming Company. Together, they all believe that exemplary farming of the vines from the ground level “translates into the creation of high-quality wines that exude freshness, acidity and are balanced with complexity and depth.” Perhaps mentioning that Silverado Farming’s clients consist of Vineyard 29, Melka, Dana Estate, Opus, Round Pond and several of Philippe Melka’s consulting projects will help you feel as we do: this team commands the highest respect for the management of their small, premium brands’ grapes. Put everything together and we are smitten, as will you be. 

"The vision of this wine is to capture the vintage in a bottle and to create an interesting and complex red wine. Dark in color with aromatics of blackberry, deep purple prunes, creme de cassis, violets, and graphite. Full-bodied with a silky texture from front to back with juicy, round tannins. Ripe black fruits and blueberries with impressions of tobacco and mountain herbs, and well-balanced acidity to carry the wine through a delicate and juicy finish. Our 2019 has been cellared to enjoy upon receiving. It is opulent and will continue to elegantly age for the next 20+ years."

Once again, we at ACME absolutely love this wine!