Purlieu’s sister label, “Le Pich,” gets its name from a Wappo Indian term meaning “golden eagle.” Purlieu’s winemaker is Julien Fayard who is well-known for high-end, often single vineyard Napa Cabernets. His Bordeaux background and experience come across in this Sauvignon Blanc which is reminiscent of top end Graves white wines. In other words, it captures lots of stone and mineral notes in both its aromas and flavors. The fruit recalls fresh pear with cloves, and the flavors and aftertaste show subtle grassiness and oak. It was aged for 10 months in neutral French oak. Overall, this is a vibrant, taut, mineral Sauvignon with a long, cleansing finish.
Le Pich, Napa Valley (California) Sauvignon Blanc 2020
By Norm Roby