2019 WALT Clos Pepe Pinot Noir
Critic Review
"The 2019 ‘Clos Pepe’ revels in its aromatic range from peat moss and pipe tobacco to bright red fruits and wild blackberry. The palate is dense and fresh with beautiful red florals alongside orange rind with sandy soil undertones. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go in the cellar."
93 Points | Wine Spectator, Kim Marcus
"Big and rich, with luscious spiciness to the plush dark fruit and berry flavors that are supported by medium-grained tannins. There's plenty of creamy and toasty accents on the open-textured finish."
93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
"Another Sta. Hills release, the 2019 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard saw 10% stems and 10 months in 40% new French oak. It's a little more focused and firm, with classic ripe black raspberry, red plum, and cherry fruits as well as orange blossom, spice, and floral nuances. It too is medium-bodied, textured, and beautifully balanced."
Clos Pepe Vineyard
Situated in a cool enclave within the Sta. Rita Hills.
A long growing season accumulates saturated flavors.
Central Coast AVA
Roughly 250 miles along the coastline of California
from Santa Barbara County to San Francisco County
Sta. Rita Hills
Follows a clearly defined maritime “throat” that
ushers in the Pacific fog and constant cooling breezes.
Sandy Loam Soils
Cause vines to produce grapes with powerful varietal
character
Deep ruby in color, the wine carries luscious fruit aromas of blackberry preserves and dark cherry, infused with exotic notes of spice, black tea and pomegranate. The palate opens to a dense and velvety texture laced with flavors of barrel char and salinity, leading to a structured and focused finish.
Blackberry Preserve
Dark Cherry
Spice
Pomegranate
Clos Pepe is a very special vineyard site located in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills within and east west corridor that provides a strong maritime influence. Cooler growing temperatures allow for extended hang time. Limiting sandy soils provide small vines with intense clusters. A mixture of Dijon clones and Pommard clone sourced throughout the vineyard help bring balance and nuance to the finished blend.
| Bottle Size | 750mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 40% New French Oak (François Frères) |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills |
| Vineyard | Clos Pepe Vineyard |
| Vintage Notes | The 2019 vintage began with a wet spring bringing three inches of rain in May. In response to the late rains our vineyards received diligent attention to control vigorous vine growth. A long Indian summer followed with mild weather, allowing the fruit to ripen at slow, even place. The long picking windows bore fruit with beautiful freshness at optimal ripeness. The resulting wines are exceptionally elegant. |
