{"title":"Clos Pegase","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"clos-pegase-merlot","title":"Clos Pegase Merlot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClos Pegase Merlot\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Merlot from Napa Valley's Carneros appellation, bottled at 14.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned 92 points from James Suckling, who highlighted its full body, rich texture, and well-ripened black fruit character — a consistent score the wine also achieved with its 2019 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.9%  |  Origin: Carneros, Napa Valley, California  |  100% Merlot  |  Winery: Clos Pegase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClos Pegase was founded in 1983 by Jan Shrem in Calistoga, Napa Valley, with a winery building designed by acclaimed postmodern architect Michael Graves. The Merlot is sourced from Mitsuko's Vineyard in the cooler Carneros sub-region, where the fruit is hand and machine harvested with a deliberate philosophy of delaying the picking decision until the last possible moment to maximize flavor concentration — all Merlot blocks are then harvested across three consecutive days. After destemming, the juice undergoes a three-day cold soak before inoculated fermentation with twice-daily pump-overs, followed by malolactic fermentation in a combination of barrels and tanks, and twelve months of barrel aging before light filtration and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with spiced plum and crushed red cherry before giving way to darker notes of black licorice and anise. Undertones of nutmeg, clove, and a faint dried herb quality add aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is full-bodied and immediately fruit-driven, with copious dark plum and black currant dominating the early palate. At mid-palate, blackberry and briar notes build alongside rich chocolate and espresso tones. The tannins are fine and powdery, well-integrated into the wine's considerable weight and dense texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and robust, carrying dark fruit and subtle tobacco notes well past the final sip. A thread of lavender and baking spice lingers alongside the supple, structured tannin framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Clos Pegase Merlot\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Merlot is best served at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, and drinks beautifully on its own — give it 20 to 30 minutes of air to let the aromatics fully open. Its ripe fruit profile and structured tannins also make it versatile in wine-forward cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) where the Merlot's dark fruit intensity holds up against the sweetness; a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built with fresh stone fruit and citrus to echo the wine's plum character; or a \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and a blackberry garnish for a lighter warm-weather pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA weeknight dinner wine that delivers Napa quality without requiring a special occasion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone rediscovering Merlot as a serious varietal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with grilled red meats or hearty braises at a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Napa Valley collection beyond Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Clos Pegase Merlot taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a full-bodied, fruit-forward profile dominated by dark plum, black currant, and blackberry, layered with chocolate, espresso, and baking spice. Fine, powdery tannins give structure without harshness, and the finish is long with tobacco and lavender undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Clos Pegase Merlot compare to Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are 100% Napa Valley Merlots, but Clos Pegase sources exclusively from the cooler Carneros appellation at Mitsuko's Vineyard, which tends to produce a slightly darker, more spice-driven style. Duckhorn's Napa Valley bottling draws from multiple vineyard sources across the valley and is generally considered the category benchmark, while Clos Pegase represents a single-vineyard alternative at a more accessible price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Clos Pegase Merlot good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its rich texture, layered dark fruit, and integrated tannins make it an engaging wine to drink on its own, particularly after 20 to 30 minutes of breathing time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Clos Pegase Merlot made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Clos Pegase is located in Calistoga in Napa Valley, California, and the Merlot grapes are grown at Mitsuko's Vineyard in the Carneros AVA, a cooler sub-region at the southern end of Napa and Sonoma counties known for its maritime influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Clos Pegase Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braised short ribs or lamb shanks complement the wine's dark fruit depth and structured tannins. Roasted duck breast with a plum glaze echoes the wine's stone fruit character. Aged Gouda or Gruyère match its richness without overwhelming the palate. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the espresso and cocoa notes on the finish. Mushroom risotto pairs well with the earthy, briar-like undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Clos Pegase Merlot come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Clos Pegase Merlot worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Clos Pegase Merlot positions as a mid-range Napa Valley wine that punches above its weight — a 92-point score from James Suckling, single-vineyard Carneros fruit, and twelve months of barrel aging represent strong value relative to other estate-bottled Napa Merlots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Clos Pegase Merlot?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this bottling from the broader Napa Merlot field is its single-vineyard sourcing from Mitsuko's Vineyard in Carneros, where the cooler climate and extended hang time produce a wine with both concentration and aromatic nuance. The winemaking team's practice of pushing harvest timing to the final possible moment — then picking all blocks in just three days — yields a level of flavor intensity that earned consecutive 92-point scores from James Suckling. In a category too often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon, this Merlot makes a credible case for the varietal's standalone merit in Napa Valley, delivering serious structure and depth at a price point that remains approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clos Pegase","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837471879337,"sku":"1238","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Clos-Pegase-Merlot-2007__76177.jpg?v=1730483458"},{"product_id":"clos-pegase-cabernet-sauvignon","title":"Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e is an estate-grown Napa Valley red wine bottled at 14.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Built from a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend that includes Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec, this 2017 vintage earned a Bronze Medal at the 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition and holds an aggregated critics score of 89 points on Wine-Searcher.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.9%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2017  |  Winery: Clos Pegase\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eClos Pegase is an estate-driven Napa Valley winery that grows, vinifies, and bottles exclusively from its own vineyards. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon draws fruit from multiple estate blocks, including the Haire section—characterized by clay-loam soils similar to those found on Bordeaux's Right Bank—and the Graveyard Hill section, where rocky, well-drained terrain and generous sun exposure push Cabernet Sauvignon toward full physiological ripeness. The resulting blend layers the structural backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon with the aromatic lift and textural complexity contributed by five supporting varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The glass opens with an opaque, dark-purple core and generous layers of cassis and black currant. Secondary notes of antique wood, cigar box, violets, and sweet cedar emerge alongside hints of black licorice and wild sage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Entry is dense and fruit-forward, with brooding dark fruits—ripe black cherries, plums, and blackberries—giving way to briar, black currant, and forest floor at the mid-palate. Subtle graphite, wet clay, and seasoned leather add savory depth. Tannins are firm yet nicely balanced by lush fruit, kept vibrant by crisp underlying acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is lengthy and continues to evolve, revealing additional layers of complexity. Lingering impressions of graphite, dark berries, and cedar trail off gradually, rewarding patient sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Clos Pegase Cabernet 2017\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt seven-plus years from vintage, this wine drinks well with 30–60 minutes in a decanter to let its tannins soften and aromatics fully unfold. Pouring at cool cellar temperature (around 60–65°F) keeps the fruit focused and the acidity balanced. For mixed drinks: a bold \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the wine's dark-fruit intensity; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) turns its brooding character into an unexpectedly refreshing long drink; and a classic \u003cstrong\u003eWine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water showcases the bright acidity hidden underneath the rich fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteak night dinners where a structured, full-bodied Napa Cabernet can match charred, high-fat cuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine collector who appreciates aged Napa Valley reds with drinking-window appeal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a vertical or horizontal tasting of 2017 Napa Cabernet Sauvignons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebratory dinners marking milestones tied to the 2017 vintage year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Clos Pegase Cab 2017 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers brooding dark fruits—black cherry, plum, and blackberry—layered with graphite, cigar box, seasoned leather, and crisp acidity that keeps the rich palate fresh and balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Clos Pegase Cab 2017 compare to Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are estate-focused Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, but the Clos Pegase 2017 incorporates five blending partners (Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec), giving it broader aromatic complexity, while Mondavi's Napa Cabernet typically relies on a more Cabernet-dominant profile with fewer co-fermented varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Clos Pegase Cab 2017 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its firm yet balanced tannins, layered aromatics, and lengthy finish make it an engaging wine to drink on its own, especially after brief decanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Clos Pegase Cab 2017 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is estate-grown and bottled at Clos Pegase's vineyards in Napa Valley, California, with fruit sourced from distinct vineyard blocks including the clay-loam Haire section and the rocky, sun-exposed Graveyard Hill section.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Clos Pegase Cab 2017?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak matches the wine's tannic structure; braised short ribs echo its dark-fruit richness; aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the savory graphite and leather notes; herb-crusted lamb rack mirrors the wild sage and cedar aromatics; and dark-chocolate desserts harmonize with the wine's ripe berry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Clos Pegase Cab 2017 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Clos Pegase Cab 2017 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, offering estate-grown fruit, a multi-varietal blend, and meaningful bottle age at a price point well below cult-level Napa reds—strong value for the complexity delivered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Clos Pegase Cabernet 2017?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining advantage of this wine is its multi-vineyard, multi-varietal estate sourcing within Napa Valley. Drawing Cabernet Sauvignon from the rocky Graveyard Hill block and Merlot from the Bordeaux-like clay-loam soils of the Haire block creates layers of flavor that a single-vineyard, single-variety bottling would struggle to replicate. With the 2017 vintage now past its seventh year, drinkers gain immediate access to integrated tannins and secondary complexity—cigar box, leather, forest floor—without needing further cellaring. For anyone seeking a Napa Cabernet that balances power, nuance, and readiness to drink, this estate-grown blend delivers on all three counts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clos Pegase","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837791924393,"sku":"1236","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Clos-Pegase-Cabernet-Sauvignon__54832.jpg?v=1730494566"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/clos-pegase.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}