Subject: A Legend Comes to Buon Vino!
Maayan Koschitzky made wine in his native Israel for more than half a decade before he headed to the U.S. in 2011 to work at Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle. Famed winemaker Phillippe Melka tapped him to take over as director of winemaking of his Consulting company, Atelier Melka in 2016. He now works with cult brands like ADAMVS Estate, Alejandro Bulgheroni, Crown Point, Dana Estates, Fairchild, Lail Vineyards, Tusk, Castiel, and Vice Versa (and yes, you know we are name dropping... he is a BIG deal!). Meanwhile, Koschitzky had his own Napa brand, La Pelle Wines, which continually sell out upon release and finally we are able to let you try them! Did we mention he’s a former paratrooper and holds a black belt in judo?! Come meet the man, the myth, the legend Maayan Koschitzky, it will be a night you won't forget!
There’s really aren’t enough fingers and toes to count the 100 points scores he’s been involved with! This is going to be a tasting you will not want to miss, trust us!
Check out the line up!
2022 La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc $67.99
Not Yet Rated
A classic Sauvignon Blanc of mineral aromas, crushed rock, with lemon notes on the nose. Acid on the palate carries the wine through mid-range with citrus zest, lime, and tropical notes. Oak barrels add dynamic tension, structure, and texture. The finish is vibrant and bright with distinctive herbal flavors. The acidity is intense yet pleasant and enjoyable now.
2022 La Pelle Chardonnay 'Bien Nacido Vyd - Block I' $79.99
94 Points Decanter
The esteemed Block I within the Bien Nacido Vineyard is one of a kind, own rooted and planted in 1973. We make it in a very traditional way to showcase the depth of the site. The wine opens with a bouquet of sweet pear, lemon zest, and delicate white flowers, complemented by a hint of golden apple and flint. On the palate, a great mix of creamy texture and vibrant acidity, crushed rock minerality with citrus, and a hint of toasted oak. Fermented and aged in 25% new French oak for 10 months, then finished in stainless steel until bottling. This Chardonnay is balanced, finishing with a crisp and lingering freshness, representing the distinct site.
2021 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon Napa $105
94 Points The Wine Independent
This wine is a blend of our six Bordeaux-style vineyards. We focus the fruit selection from four AVA designations in Napa Valley; Coombsville, Oak Knoll District, Oakville, and Saint Helena. The 2021 vintage is one for collectors. Before bottling, the wine aged 18 months in 60% new French oak. A classic Napa Valley concentration and density for a Cabernet Sauvignon. There is a dark tone, unlike in 2019, which was a bit softer and sweeter. 2021 is more structured, similar to 2016, with great integrated acidity reminiscent of the 2018 vintage.
Aromatics are expressive with notes of dark chocolate, licorice, crème de cassis, and hints of warm spices. The palate is full-bodied and juicy. Black and red fruit layered front to back with pronounced tannins and excellent acidity carrying it to a long finish. The wine is powerful yet elegant without being heavy.
This vintage is a harmonious representation of balance between four vineyards. All are farmed exclusively by our partners at Silverado Farming Company. We craft the wine to capture the season, and this 2021 embodies our intentions.
Enjoy it now and over the next 15+ years.
2022 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon 'Alluvium Vyd' $155
96 Points Wine Advocate
The 2022 vintage and the well-drained gravelly soils create a classic St. Helena AVA wine. This is a powerhouse wine with excellent concentration, darker tones, and silky tannins. The wine opens with bold aromas of black currant, cassis, and inky blackberries. A touch of baking spice leads to a palate that’s full-bodied and dense. The textured tannins and integrated acidity give it a long and layered finish with a touch of minerality. The 2022 vintage is a classic Napa wine, a true showcase of the Californian Mediterranean climate, crafting wines that are drinking well while young but have excellent ageability.
2022 La Pelle Syrah 'Bien Nacido Vyd $79.99
96 Points Wine Enthusiast
The renowned Bien Nacido vineyard's Block X in Santa Maria Valley captivates with its depth and complexity. Aromas of blackberry, violet, and cracked black pepper on the nose, added by secondary hints of smoked meat and lavender. The palate reveals layers of dark fruit: black cherry and blueberry, complemented by savory notes of bacon fat and thyme. With an hint of white pepper. The cool-climate elegance of Bien Nacido is truly showing here in a warm vintage setting.
