2021 WALT Clos Pepe Pinot Noir
Critic Review
...The nose is highly perfumed with red rose petal alongside kumquat rind, cigar box and beautifully pure red fruits. The palate is very salty and savory with red currants, tobacco leaf, wet and diatomaceous earth. Deep and concentrated, this is fantastic now and will bring drinking pleasure over the next fifteen years."
93 Points | Wine Enthusiast, Matt Kettmann
" Tightly woven aromas of dark raspberries and purple flowers meet with savory charred meats and light asphalt flakes on the nose of this bottling. The palate is quite brisk with raspberry and pomegranate flavors that open into darker cherry, thyme and cracked pepper.
92 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
"...2021 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard reveals a translucent darker ruby hue as well as a terrific array of black raspberries, darker cherries, black tea, and baking spices. This medium-bodied, lively, balanced, elegant Pinot Noir delivers ripe, integrated tannins and outstanding length."
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, perfumed aromas of dark cherry and raspberry are infused with exotic notes of pomegranate, black tea and rose petal. The palate opens to a beautifully rich, lively and focused texture, laced with elegant notes of barrel char and salinity.
Dark Cherry
Raspberry
Pomegranate
Black Tea
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 45% New French Oak |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County |
| Vineyard | Clos Pepe Vineyard |
| Vintage Notes | The alluring 2021 vintage is remarkable for its low yields, which resulted in an extra degree of concentration in our wines. In a second year of drought, the vines grew quickly in the warm spring weather while our team judiciously managed watering block by block. By summer, the vines had set a lighter than average crop, and cooler weather in August allowed time for vineyard passes to finetune the fruit load and manage the canopy. After a smooth harvest season, we are excited about the flavor-packed 2021's. |
| Vintage | 2021 |
