Showing items 1
through 8 of
9
Clos Pepe 2004 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $45
Here’s a very pure, expressive young Pinot, rich and tangy in forward cherry, cola, cranberry, herb tea and pomegranate flavors. It’s likeable for its dryness and supple, silky mouthfeel. Drink this high-quality Pinot now–2010.
— S.H.
(6/1/2007)
Clos Pepe 2002 Homage to Chablis Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $25
A big, bracing, exotic Chard with a gunmetal and mineral spine plus, tangy flavors of candied grapefruit, mango and papaya. High in acidity, yet well oaked. Very companionable for food; should age gracefully for several years.
— S.H.
(9/1/2004)
Clos Pepe 2000 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $35
Opens strong, with a complex nose of strawberry, cherry, pipe tobacco, menthol, soy, rubbing spices and wheat. A slightly chalky feel along with black tea and herb accents show on the plummy, midweight palate. It closes tasty but tight, with herb and tobacco shadings. While appealing now, best 2004–2008.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)
Clos Pepe 2001 Estate - Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $20
The fruit here is on the lean side, suggesting citrus fruits and apples, with notes of lusher peaches, and the wine has been fattened up through the use of smoky oak. Feels creamy smooth in the mouth, with a buttery texture, and turns oaky again on the finish.
— S.H.
(4/1/2004)
Clos Pepe 2006 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- Online Exclusive
- $54
Co-released with the winery’s 2005, this is a dry, fairly light Pinot Noir that may not be showing its best now. There’s something austere about it. It teases with cherries and currants, then pulls back, leaving spice and heat behind. Yet it’s elegantly structured, and may enter another dimension in a few years.
— S.H.
(8/1/2008)
Clos Pepe 2006 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $35
The winery calls this unoaked Chardonnay “Homage to Chablis,” presumably because it’s a high-acid, low alcohol wine whose main flavors are of minerals, with subtle elements of citrus zest and pear. It’s a connoisseurs’ wine that requires some understanding to appreciate. Sommeliers will love it, but it’s hard to find. Only 120 cases produced.
— S.H.
(8/1/2008)
Clos Pepe 2007 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $54
The winemaker rightfully praises this Pinot for having so much fruit at below 14% alcohol. He’s right, but there’s more to great wine than fruit. The wine is massive in cherries, raspberries and currants, but right now that’s about all you get in the way of complexity. Could surprise with some time in the cellar.
— S.H.
(7/1/2009)
Clos Pepe 2005 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- Online Exclusive
- $52
Very dry and fairly soft, with licorice, cherry, cranberry, cola and oak flavors, it lacks the power and complexity you expect from this great property.
— S.H.
(8/1/2008)
Showing items 1
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9
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