August 2005--Wine Recommendations
Virtual Tasting Room —Clos Pegase
By
Thom Elkjer, Wine Editor
Clos Pegase is a must visit for those who love both art
and wine. Owners Jan and Mitsuko Shrem share splendors from their museum-quality
art collection along with classic Napa Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon, all in a building the Washington Post called “America’s
first temple to wine as art.” Here are four wines you can expect to
encounter in the tasting room during harvest this year.
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Clos Pegase Chardonnay Carneros
Napa Valley Mitsuko’s Vineyard 2003 ($21): well-knit
flavors of apple, honey, butterscotch and oak arrive on your
tongue in a soft, plush texture with elegantly balanced mid-palate.
Aromatic hints of fig and jasmine return for the finish. |
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Clos Pegase Merlot Carneros Napa
Valley Mitsuko’s Vineyard 2001 ($25): good depth
in the aromas of dark fruit, earth and oak, followed by
bright red candy layers over a strong current of dark plums
and cherries in your mouth. It all melts together into
the persistent finish.
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Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Valley Estate Bottled 2001 ($33): impressive color and
intense, concentrated black cherry and blackberry aromas
with cassis, toast and espresso. Glamorous on your tongue,
the texture suavely assertive yet instantly winning. Great
example of 2001 Napa Cab – but with touches of Bordeaux.
Good value. |
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Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Valley Estate Bottled “Hommage” 2000 ($75): a
shapely sculpture draped in dark silk and keeping its secrets.
Aromas and flavors run toward cassis and blackberry accented
with pomegranate and kirsch. Texture, weight, and finish
are all excellent, Best to hold another five years, or decant
at least two hours before current drinking. |
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