Peju Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Peju Winery began in the 1980's with Tony Peju daring to sell wines out of his garage at the family's vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley. A lengthy legal battle ensued and Peju persisted: this became the catalyst for Napa County to create the legal definition of what a winery is, which was adopted in 1991. Prior to that, there was an ongoing debate surrounding the definition of a winery. California state law stated that a grower could sell wine at the location where it was grown. Napa County officials disagreed, and the matter went to court. A judge agreed with Tony Peju and upheld the law. In so doing, the Peju case became instrumental in creating and providing opportunity for custom crush operations, leading to Tony's nickname "The Father of Custom Crush ". Today, Custom Crush is a common practice in Napa Valley.

This 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown at five of the family's estate vineyards, each offering its own flavors and textures. Sara Fowler, Peju's longtime winemaker, ferments each vineyard lot separately and ages in oak barrels for at least 18 months. Prior to bottling, she skillfully blends the lots so each enhances the other. This 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a beautiful bouquet of dark fruit, warm oak spice, and floral notes. Flavors of wild blackberry, dark chocolate, and candied orange rinds lead to violet characteristics with hints of earthiness. The well-structured tannins frame the palate for a silky finish and ensure a long life in the cellar.