Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.9%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2017  |  Winery: Clos Pegase

Production & Heritage

Clos 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Clos Pegase Cabernet 2017

At 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 Cabernet Sangria benefits from the wine's dark-fruit intensity; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) turns its brooding character into an unexpectedly refreshing long drink; and a classic Wine Spritzer with sparkling water showcases the bright acidity hidden underneath the rich fruit.

Best For

• Steak night dinners where a structured, full-bodied Napa Cabernet can match charred, high-fat cuts
• Gifting a wine collector who appreciates aged Napa Valley reds with drinking-window appeal
• Building a vertical or horizontal tasting of 2017 Napa Cabernet Sauvignons
• Celebratory dinners marking milestones tied to the 2017 vintage year

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clos Pegase Cab 2017 taste like? 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.

How does Clos Pegase Cab 2017 compare to Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet? 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.

Is Clos Pegase Cab 2017 good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Clos Pegase Cab 2017 made? 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.

What foods pair well with Clos Pegase Cab 2017? 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.

What sizes does Clos Pegase Cab 2017 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Clos Pegase Cab 2017 worth the price? 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.

Why Clos Pegase Cabernet 2017?

The 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.