Napa Valley’s Peju Province Winery in the Limelight

Gems in MY Glass . . ., Napa, Tasting Notes

Napa Valley’s Peju Province Winery in the Limelight

It’s been a few years since my last visit to Peju Province Winery, which was quite delightful.  I’ve been a fan of Peju wines for more than a decade.  The current releases I recently tasted confirm the family owned winery clearly remains on track, with talented VP of Winemaking and Operations Sara Fowler, their certified organic Rutherford Estate Vineyard, and sustainably farmed Persephone and Tess vineyards in Pope Valley, and the Wappo Vineyard in Calistoga.  

Peju 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley:  The tropical aroma knocks your socks off.  Pure and varietally spot on, the grapefruit, fresh spring herbs, pineapple, guava and lime zest flavors intertwine, exhilarating the palate.   It remains bright and snappy with bracing acidity and a focused 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 the nose.  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 cola unfold in the mouth.  Velvety smooth from first sip through the cinnamon-laced memorable finish. SRP:  $48

Peju 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley:  Deep, dark black fruits and savory spice at first whiff speak clearly of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Cassis, bittersweet chocolate, fresh olallieberries, black plums, a touch of tobacco and star anise entwine with skillfully managed toasty oak.  Complex with a solid backbone of 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 and cherry aromas and flavors.  Light on its feet and charismatic, it boasts black currant, Bing cherry, hints of dusty earth, savory notes, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.  Easy to quaff with good depth and balance, and the finish is long, bright and fresh.  SRP:  $80

Peju 2013 Petit Trois Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley:  Wildly expressive, fresh picked cherries and crushed herbs on the nose drive you into the glass.  Vivacious and lively on the palate, where delectable layers of black raspberries, Satsuma plums, cranberries, pomegranate, graphite, and spice elements meld in harmony.  Precisely balanced and silky smooth all the way through. 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 beautifully crafted wines give me compelling reason to visit Peju (along with sister winery Calmére Estate) and taste the additional wines offered, and you may want to include them on your “must visit” list as well.   

Cheers, and Happy New Year to all!