2016 La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc

Community Tasting Notes (12) Avg Score: 93 points

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  10/16/2023 - csimm wrote:

  Even fresher than previous samples, the 2016 continues to be a superb example of what domestic SB can achieve… rather, a superb example of what Maayan can achieve. Previous notes apply otherwise.
  
  You know those moments when a producer/label is now too expensive and you wished you had jumped on the bandwagon earlier, before their allocation waiting list is years long and the aftermarket is crazy stupid pricey compared to what it used to be…? Well, now is the time, because I sense it won’t be long before these little gems will start being harder to find over the coming years. Just a prediction… especially given the reasonable pricing across the board with La Pelle at the moment. Go ahead and blind a La Pelle red or white among others twice the price and you’ll see what I mean.

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  4/19/2023 - Bakerbd Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Meyer lemon, green apple skin, green herbs, fairly long and complex

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  4/7/2023 - csimm wrote: 96 Points

  A few days in Napa with fellow CT'r Cristal2000: Ok, so I’m gonna own up to the fact that I rarely find pleasure in aged Sauvignon Blanc of any style from anywhere. Be it Sancerre, New Zealand, or here in the states, I want my Sauv. Blanc full of life and vigor, fragrant as the day is long, and pumping out energy and vibrant citrus, greenery, herbs, and floral notes, like hurling a blossoming Meyer lemon tree at my face until I pass out in a field of Citronella grass (Ya, that's a thing). Chardonnay and some Rhone white blends can get pretty interesting at times, (and BdB Champagne is a different story), but even then, I generally prefer my whites to invigorate over contemplate. Both states of mind are great, but one usually is sacrificed for the other. Anyway, I understand and appreciate the academic exercise of drinking Sauv. Blanc with some time under its belt, and I’ve had a handful that were… fine… but I’d just assume throw together a gin and tonic for the most part before I reach for a SB that looks like apple juice. And not that 2016 is so far in the rearview mirror that I should consider this “aged” necessarily, but you get the point.
  
  All that said, if anyone has any question about whether or not Maayan Koschitzky is building his portfolio of wines with the ability to age, you really have to look no further than his Sauvignon Blanc (not that you should stop there, because his other wines are bangin’ as well!). Ok. Brass tacks on this wine: It’s stellar. It’s unique (and NOT in that weird curio unique way that makes you glad you tried it but never need to try it again). It’s savory, with elements of tropical and deeper stone fruit, lemon curd, and olive oil, but also keenly hits the higher index with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, fresh yellow apple, white rocks, and acacia. A lot of layering on the palate here. Super complex, and something to drink now if you’re lucky enough to still have a bottle or two you forgot about in the cellar. This will undoubtedly continue to age further, but for me, it’s time to check this out. What a fun wine!

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  3/31/2023 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 95 Points

  La Pelle Wines (w/CSIMM1161): In a word – spectacular! When Maayan opened this 7-year-old SB, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. I think he charges $55 for this wine, and I figured at this age it would already be on the decline. Wrong! It turned out to be one of the better SB’s I’ve tasted, and a downright bargain in Napa terms.
  
  Rich and powerful yet simultaneously fresh and lithe, it shines with seamless integration and incredible freshness. Displaying green apple, lemon curd, white flowers and wonderful minerality, this is distinctly bright while retaining a core of pure fruit that is backed lovely savory elements. It’s likely hitting the peak of its powers, but clearly it is going to last a lot longer. Easy call to pop one of these if you have it.

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  10/29/2021 - LiteItOnFire Likes this wine: 90 Points

  A beautiful SB that has hit its peak if you looking for the mouth puckering zing typical with this producer but if your preference is a more well rounded more in-line structure to flavor profile than this may be just hitting its stride for you.
  
  This one followed the Rose champagne and was a perfect match for the Ahi and flavors surrounding the Crudo dish. Much softer than previous bottles but 5 years of age that is expected.

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