The Golden Vine - Tasting Notes

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2013 Pinot Noir, Vigneron Select Santa Rita Hills AVA

A reserve-quality wine blended specifically for long-term aging, this ‘VS’ will be a bit richer and riper than the ‘Estate’ bottling, but balanced... A reserve-quality wine blended specifically for long-term aging, this ‘VS’ will be a bit richer and riper than the ‘Estate’ bottling, but balanced and structured for the long haul. We will be blending it just hours before the Aug. 17th event, so I cannot offer specific details other than this will be a big, expressive wine with primary fruit, a good dose of French oak, and a wine meant for 3-7 years of cellaring.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2014 Pinot Noir, Vigneron Select Santa Rita Hills AVA

Impeccable balance with great depth of primary fruit. French oak, spice, cherry, and raspberry aromas. Great density and grip, with a "chewy' edge. Age... Impeccable balance with great depth of primary fruit. French oak, spice, cherry, and raspberry aromas. Great density and grip, with a "chewy' edge. Age 5 years, minimum, but could last much longer. Match while young with ripe cheeses, and aged with cassoulet.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2013 Signature' Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills AVA

A hint lighter in the glass than the Estate bottling, the nose shows a little more red fruit character, ripe cherries and raspberries with a loamy saline... A hint lighter in the glass than the Estate bottling, the nose shows a little more red fruit character, ripe cherries and raspberries with a loamy saline complexity that will make you think of $500 Red Burgundy. Lay it down 5-10 years and then put it in a blind Burg. lineup and watch the eyebrows rise when you uncover it as a ringer!

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2014 Signature' Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills AVA

This wine has bright red fruits accentuated with baking spice, loamy earth, and has a transparency of site. Only four barrels made the final cut, and we... This wine has bright red fruits accentuated with baking spice, loamy earth, and has a transparency of site. Only four barrels made the final cut, and we believe we have blended something very special. A hint lighter in the glass than the Estate bottling, this truly embodies the femininity of Pinot Noir. Drink young with plank salmon or grilled meats, and aged with light pasta dishes and hard cheeses.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2012 Vigneron Select' Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills AVA

A hint darker in the glass than the Estate bottling, the nose shows a little more dark fruit character, ripe cherries and raspberries with a loamy saline... A hint darker in the glass than the Estate bottling, the nose shows a little more dark fruit character, ripe cherries and raspberries with a loamy saline complexity that will make you think of $500 Red Burgundy.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2011 Vigneron Select' Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills AVA

Dense and forward in both aromatic intensity and mouthfeel, this is a New World wine with seductive aroma, bright but dense extract and mouth-filling flavor.... Dense and forward in both aromatic intensity and mouthfeel, this is a New World wine with seductive aroma, bright but dense extract and mouth-filling flavor. As many layers as you have time to notice them. This will match big red meat dishes and cheese early in its life, and we have faith it will mellow into a fine, aged wine 5-7 years after release.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2012 Axis Mundi Grenache/Syrah Windmill Ranch Ballard Canyon AVA

Windmill Ranch

Wine is about pleasure, and this wine is light, juicy and easy. Light garnet color with grapey, juicy, baking spice and white pepper, perhaps a melon or... Wine is about pleasure, and this wine is light, juicy and easy. Light garnet color with grapey, juicy, baking spice and white pepper, perhaps a melon or tropical hint, with the slightest whisper of smoke from the syrah and oak. Chill it down and light it up!

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache / Syrah

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2013 Axis Mundi Grenache/Syrah Windmill Ranch Ballard Canyon AVA

Windmill Ranch

The 2013 has a bright and primary nose of vinous/grapey, raspberry and cherry with hints of oak toast, spice and dusty earth. Dense and broad compared... The 2013 has a bright and primary nose of vinous/grapey, raspberry and cherry with hints of oak toast, spice and dusty earth. Dense and broad compared to past vintages (2010-2012), but manages to maintain the juicy persistence that made those wines so charming. Bright finish with hints of cocoa-laced tannin.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache / Syrah

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2014 Axis Mundi Grenache/Syrah Windmill Ranch Ballard Canyon AVA

Windmill Ranch

That direction is Chateauneuf du Pape: a full bodied red wine with more grip and mouth-presence. We also added a bit of Russian and Slovenian Oak, and... That direction is Chateauneuf du Pape: a full bodied red wine with more grip and mouth-presence. We also added a bit of Russian and Slovenian Oak, and we think you’ll love the result. For fans of the juicy, spicy style of previous vintages, you will recognize that primary profile plus a little extra depth and grip.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache / Syrah

Clos Pepe Vineyards

2014 Barrel Fermented' Santa Rita Hills AVA

Our commitment to Damy barrels from Meursault really shows in the integration and amazing aromatics given off by this blend. Mineral/tropical with rich... Our commitment to Damy barrels from Meursault really shows in the integration and amazing aromatics given off by this blend. Mineral/tropical with rich and candied aromatics make this wine irresistible, and a perfect accompaniment for fried chicken, crab or lobster.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Chardonnay