2019 La Pelle Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Alluvium Vineyard St. Helena Napa Valley 750 ml

La Pelle might be a new-to-Napa name, but it’s backed by two of the most established and in-demand talents in the Valley—and their efforts are turning this boutique label into one of the fastest-rising stars in California.

The driving force behind La Pelle is winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, the Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 tastemaker who’s head of winemaking for Atelier Melka and has also made wine for Dalle Valle and Lail. His partner is iconic vineyard manager Miguel Luna, whose top-tier client list includes Accendo, DANA Estates, and Stags Leap. Together, they’re searching out and tapping some of Napa’s virtually undiscovered sites to make some of the Valley’s most inspired wines. 

Grown from 40-year-old vines in the famed alluvial soil and up-valley heat of St. Helena, the 2019 La Pelle Alluvium Vineyard Cabernet is a micro-production masterpiece—only 125 cases exist. Those who lay claim to this second-ever bottling will be in for one of Napa’s new Cabernet treasures. It’s dense and concentrated with blackberry and cassis, accented with a fresh punch of mountain herbs: mint, bay, and rosemary, all add depth to a gorgeous palate. A stout, tannic framework will allow this delicious wine to age for two decades or more. 

This is beyond a “winery to watch”—it’s a burgeoning legend whose demand is already outstripping their tiny supply.  Few wines can match the skill and pedigree of this micro-production masterpiece. And did we mention that 2019 is a drop-dead gorgeous vintage for Napa Valley?