PEJU Reserve Tasting Review: PEJU is one of a select few small, family owned and operated wineries located in the heart of the Napa Valley. The Winery was Founded in 1983 by industry trailblazer Tony Peju and his wife Herta ‘HB’. PEJU, a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award recipient, is known for its warm hospitality and approachable exploration of Napa Valley wine and seasonal food created by their in-house Chef.
40 years later, PEJU is helmed by a second-generation as daughters, Lisa, and Ariana Peju, work alongside longtime winemaker Sara Fowler to bring guests distinctive tasting and culinary pairing experiences for every palette and price range. Embark on a delightful journey into PEJU wines with our Reserve Tasting—an exclusive chance to savor PEJU’s finest creations. Curated by Winemaker Sara Fowler, these five reserve, small-lot wines highlight the rich flavors from the celebrated Napa Valley vineyards of the Peju family.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of exceptional wines in a private setting. Sara’s picks, including Library and Large Format options, offer a diverse and intriguing lineup. Guided by a knowledgeable and friendly host, spend a relaxed 90 minutes in our VIP Rutherford Room—reserved for just 10 guests. It’s an opportunity to share the joy of discovering new flavors with fellow wine enthusiasts.
To enhance your experience, Chef Nic has prepared seasonal culinary pairings, adding a delightful touch to complement the wines.
Culinary Companions:
Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue Cheese Mousse Mini Cone
Wild honeycomb
Cabernet Braised Beef Short Rib Wellington
Mushroom duxelles & horseradish crème fraiche
Braised Rabbit Sugo
Mirepoix, fried sage & rosemary potato chips
Smoked Venison Loin Carpaccio Toast
Capers, sieved egg & truffle aioli
Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake
Aged balsamic pearls & red wine sea salt
PEJU Reserve Tasting Review – The Wines:
2013 FIFTY/FIFTY
Alluring aromas of ripe red cherry, fresh raspberries and roasted espresso beans captivate the nose of this reserve wine. Lush with opulent layers of flavor the palate offers dark plum, blackberry and currant imbued with sweet tobacco and notes of cassis. With delightfully integrated tannins and a long, round finish this wine is absolutely luxurious.
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
2018 RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Plentiful aromas of blackberry, plum, dark fruit preserve, and a hint of white mocha complement the wines’ beautifully layered flavors of supple red fruit and oak. Full-bodied with rich texture and firm tannins, the wine lingers with a long, delicious finish. A Cabernet Sauvignon of this quality and depth is destined to evolve for years to come.
98 points, The Tasting Panel
91 points, James Suckling
2018 RESERVE CABERNET FRANC
Dark garnet in color, this is a succulent, well-structured, reserve-worthy wine. Crème brûlée and toasty vanilla support a full-bodied core of layered boysenberry and cherry finishing with hints of green and white peppercorn, leather, and cocoa.
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck
92 points, James Suckling
2018 RESERVE MERITAGE
A beautiful Bordeaux blend, our 2018 Reserve Meritage is characterized by bold flavors and exceptional structure. This wine features a decadent palate of black raspberry, dark chocolate, and baking spice. This is one of the rarest wines we produce, and the proof is in the bottle!
95 points, American Fine Wine Competition
2019 HB RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
With much anticipation, we are thrilled to feature our 40th Anniversary Edition 2019 HB Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Renowned by critics and wine enthusiasts alike, the 2019 vintage has received exceptional acclaim. Crafted with the utmost care and dedication, this cellar treasure is a true masterpiece.
93+ points, Wine Advocate
92 points, James Suckling