Forlorn Hope PicPoul and AVV Cabernet

2013 Forlorn Hope PicPoul Napa Valley. A lovely lithe wine, with lemon notes and a strong chalky/"minerally" element that I liked quite a bit. Only complaint/quibble is that it could possibly have used a touch more prickly acid, but overall we quite enjoyed this with squash soup!

2009 Alexander Valley Vineyards Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Definitely shows AVV's house style-they are not afraid of pyrazines! Which I like (hence my use of the Mr. Green emoji !!!!) Polished, plush earthy Alexander Valley cabernet with lovely anise notes, balanced alcohol, tannins not obtrusive. And a definite green note!

2013 Forlorn Hope PicPoul Napa Valley. A lovely lithe wine, with lemon notes and a strong chalky/"minerally" element that I liked quite a bit. Only complaint/quibble is that it could possibly have used a touch more prickly acid, but overall we quite enjoyed this with squash soup!

Whew, Brian.....for a minute I was worried that you'd scooped me on Matt's 2014 Picpoul...which is on the way.

Pretty much agree w/ your take on this 2013. It doesn't have the "lip-stinging" quality you often get in French Picpoul.
But Matt's rendition is pretty good, I think.
Tom

I do have a Broc Cellars 2014 PicPoul to drink soon. I don't remember it as standing out as strongly in flavor as the FH rendition!