Within the award-winning, Michael Graves designed winery are 20,000 square feet of caves dug into the volcanic knoll that is immediately behind our winery. The entire winery was designed with the grand portico entrance acting like a dividing line that separates the southern side focused on the production of wine and the northern side focused on the enjoyment of wine.
The caves follow this same design element and are laid out in a similar manner. The southern side of the caves houses barrels in a temperature and humidity controlled environment perfectly designed for aging our wines until they are ready to be bottled. The northern side, on the other hand, includes the unique Cave Theater, a dramatic setting for celebrations and special events and perfectly intended for enjoying the fruits of our labor. The Cave Theater has uniquely expressive acoustics for live performances and serves as the ideal location for hosting dinners and other events.
Clos Pegase has always been known for its great estate-grown and bottled wines. The "Estate" designation means that the wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in our own vineyards and under our control. This requires a significant investment of time and money in vineyard management, but results in a higher level of quality that clearly comes through in the final wine.
At Clos Pegase we have 410 acres in Napa Valley made up of three vineyards, each with unique characteristics that bring out the very best of the grapes we grow each vintage. By working with these same three vineyards over the decades we have gotten to know the nuances that can be brought out in each wine leading to an unmatched style and level of quality.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Serpent's Back Napa Valley is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
Review:
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpent's Back shows a more aromatic, high-toned side of this site. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, pomegranate, cinnamon and sweet floral accents are all laced together. The Serpent's Back is the most refined of these three Cabernets, but it has plenty of Calistoga punch.
-- Antonio Galloni 95 Points
The "yaguarete" (jaguar) on the label was known by the ancient Andean people as the "lord of the starred night"; the wildest known animal.
Chakana is the name of the Southern Cross constellation. Its rotation in the sky throughout the year made it an effective agricultural calendar for the ancient Andean people.
Estate Torrontes is from Chakana's Gualtallary vineyard (5,300 ft elevation).
The wine shows the typical aromas of Torrontes (white flowers, lychee, peach) balanced by a refreshing acidity. Mineral texture due do the rocky soil of the vineyard. Elegant, dry and clean finish.
Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. Aged 4 months. Pairs with crab cakes and seafood pasta.