Clos Pepe Release Party

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Today 4 of us headed up to the Sta. Rita Hills to attend Clos Pepe Vineyards annual release party. This was a great day for me as I did not have to drive. Interesting to be able to see the landscape from another view besides the middle of the road.

Since we were a little early we headed to Los Olivos to check out Stolpman's new tasting room and visit a few others

About 1:00 we headed back down the highway to Clos Pepe Vineyards. Again luck was with me as we were motioned to head to up to the big house to park. That means we didn't have to climb the driveway and walk thru the dust with open toed shoes.

The party was in full swing. The numbers were smaller than last year because the invites were not given to everyone. New West Catering was busy making specialty pizzas in the wood fired pizza oven Skewers of beef and shrimp were being grilled. Platters of cheese and roasted vegetables were in the main house along with the BYOB themed bottles. This year it was Italian. There had to close to 100 bottles of wine on that table.

Tasted the new releases. The 2008 Pinot Noir, VS Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay. Wes was also pouring the new sparkling pinot that was released earlier this year along with the new 2008 Rose of Pinot Noir. The new label Axis Mundi was being poured. The 2008 Syrah is really good.

The 2008 Pinot Noir is very burgundian in style. Wes said that this was the first really burgundian pinot he has made. I thought it was outstanding. As always the Chardonnay was really showing well.

Clos Pepe wines were really showing well this year. Their yield is about half or normal because of the killing frosts early in the season. My allotment was changed also.

Also pouring today was Ken Brown, Roger Roessler and Justin Willtt. All were pouring their Clos Pepe Pinot Noir's & Chardonnays. Very impressive.

Library wines were on the table. Nice to try the wines that I am holding so I know where mine stand.

After loading 5 cases of wine we headed home. A beautiful day, sunshine and a nice breeze to keep things extremely comfortable. Great food, great wines and really good company. Doesn't get any better than this.