Clos Pegase

It was only a matter of happenstance that we visited Clos Pegase. Had we not been vacationing in Mexico two months prior, we wouldn't have met another wine-loving couple who gave Clos Pegase rave reviews for the wine, architecture and art collection. I'm never sure if someone else's glowing recommendation from memory will live up to expectations and assessments from our group, so I was hesitant to lobby for its inclusion on the winery tour. I can now say I was very relieved when our group was impressed with the quality of their wines and amazed at all the art.


Architect Michael Graves was commissioned to build a "temple to wine and art" and created a fantastic palette for the many art installations, large-scale paintings and sculpture. Everyone takes a picture of The Thumb sculpture. I don't know it's real name, but it's all over Flickr (go look, I'll wait) so I'll spare the internet the repetition of my photo.

Their Sauvignon Blanc blew us away, especially for the red drinkers who couldn't find a white to impress them. This one did it. I wish we would have bought more bottles of it and the sleeper-hit Cabernet Sauvignon.



Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Napa Valley, California - $20
A great find and top value for 2008. One of our favorites that represents my favorite expression of Sauvignon Blanc: supple & bright with tropical & citrus aromas & flavors. Bright straw color. Juicy nose of pineapple & pear, brightness of lemon. Herbal & grassy. Very complex aroma. Spicy pear, gooseberry, pineapple flavors. Well balanced acidity, medium-heavy body. Holds its own against garlic! a buy again and again. Almost 2,000 cases produced. Rated 88 in WS, 90 in Wine Enthusiast. 5/5


Clos Pegase Pegase Circle Claret 2005
Napa Valley, California - $26
Every day food wine, but complex enough to keep your interest. From the winemaker: Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot. Rich fruit tones, black currant, plums & cherries. Only available at the winery.

Clos Pegase Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California - $35
Very tannic, needs food and time to open. A fantastic value and sleeper-hit. From the winemaker: Ripe & luscious with density & elegance. Production is just under 5,000 cases. Rated 87 ("sweet black plum and mocha flavors... ends on a note of pencil lead... honeyed red for brisket").

Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Merlot 2004
Napa Valley, California - $25
Plum, pomegranate, cherries, good, very dark purple. From the winemaker: Well composed with structure, balance, and vibrant fruit tones; soft, elegant and balanced. Only available at the winery.


More at Clos Pegase.com