2017 WALT Clos Pepe Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir - Clos Pepe Vineyard
Critic Review
"Powerful aromas of black cherry, tobacco, clove, chocolate and oak are heavy but pleasing on this bold style of Pinot Noir. The lush, delicious and potent palate delivers more of the same, with black-cherry and tobacco flavors sprinkled with crushed nutmeg and vanilla."
Owen Bargreen
"The bouquet is simply gorgeous with deep dark and red fruits that mingle with shades of cinnamon, clove and blood orange zest that all build on the nose. The wonderful salinity of the wine is incredible, accompanying deep dark and red fruits that mingle with underbrush and citrus rind accents. This is sensational stuff."
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
On the nose, the 2017 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir features dark cherry, with hints of pomegranate and violets. The palate opens up beautifully and is full and lush with a bright minerality - a distinguishing characteristic of the Clos Pepe site. Flavors of dark berry coulis mingle with fresh earth and hints of smoked paprika and salinity. The wine is enhanced by oak, which brings length and a warm brown spice character to lead into a textured mineral finish.
Dark Cherry
Violets
Minerality
Smoked Paprika
The iconic Clos Pepe vineyard is situated in a cool enclave within the Sta. Rita Hills. The prevailing winds coming from the Pacific slow the ripening of these vines, allowing for saturated flavors to accumulate throughout the decidedly long growing season.
