Le Pich Cabernet Sauvignon
The fabulous 2016 Le Pich Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that showcases the characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. It is crafted to express the unique terroir of Napa Valley, California.
Le Pich typically displays rich and concentrated flavors. It often exhibits dark fruit characteristics such as blackberry, cassis, and plum, accompanied by notes of cocoa, espresso, and spice. The wine tends to be full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, luxurious, lingering finish.
Le Pich is crafted to be approachable in its youth but also has the potential to age gracefully. With proper cellaring, the wine can develop more complexity and secondary flavors over time.
Rating:
4.3 on Vivino
History:
Purlieu Wines was founded in 2010 by winemaker Julien Fayard and investor Mark Pulido. The winery aims to produce small-lot, handcrafted wines that showcase the terroir and unique characteristics of Napa Valley. Le Pich is so named after a distinct vineyard in Napa Valley’s Coombsville AVA. The vineyard is situated in the southeastern part of Napa Valley and is known for its volcanic soils, which contribute to the unique flavor profile of the wine.
- Le Pich is primarily a blend of Bordeaux varietals, typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. The specific blend can vary by vintage, but it often includes other Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The blend is crafted to achieve a balanced and expressive wine.
- The winemaking at Purlieu Wines and for Le Pich emphasizes a hands-on approach with careful attention to detail. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure the selection of the highest quality fruit. Fermentation takes place in small lots, allowing for greater control and expression of the individual vineyard blocks.
- Purlieu Wines produces Le Pich in limited quantities, reflecting their focus on small-lot production and attention to detail. The limited availability contributes to its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
Side note:
Le Pich, gets its name from a Wappo Indian term meaning “golden eagle.” These are hunting birds, and they are commonly found at their vineyards soaring above and around their property mapping out places to eat. They are beautiful and impressive birds. The winery hopes the Le Pich wines will live up to the character of their namesake.