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. Not every winery chooses to make this commitment to quality, but at Clos Pegase we think it is worth it.
At Clos Pegase we have 450 acres in Napa Valley made up of four vineyards, each with unique characteristics that bring out the very best of the grapes we grow each vintage. From the rolling hills of Los Carneros in the southern Napa Valley to the foothills and valley floor of northern Napa Valley, we match the right grape to the right vineyard location to make sure that the terrior comes out. By working with these same four 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.
Mitsuko's Vineyard
Mitsuko's Vineyard is 365 acres in the Los Carneros appellation within the Napa Valley. The rolling land of this vineyard has a broad range of soil types, elevations, slopes, and aspects which create countless distinct microclimates. After careful study, eleven different grape varieties were planted at this vineyard utilizing every bit of its diversity. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are commonly found in Los Carneros and are the keys to the region’s notoriety. In Mitsuko’s Vineyard these varieties have ideal cooling breezes blowing in from the San Pablo Bay which create the slow, balanced growing season these varieties need to build complexity. After examining the soil of the vineyard before planting, it was discovered that a section of the vineyard was Haire clay-loam similar to the make up of the Right Bank of Bordeux, famous for making some of the best Merlot in the world. This section of the vineyard was planted to a unique blend of Merlot clones well suited for this climate. Next to it is a section known as Graveyard Hill with its own unique rocky, well-drained soil and an aspect that maximizes sun exposure making it ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, a rare sight in Los Carneros. The vineyard takes its name from founder Jan Shrem’s late wife with whom he became devoted to building Clos Pegase winery and making it an iconic destination in Napa Valley.
Tenma Vineyard
Our Tenma Vineyard is located in the foothills of Mount St. Helena northeast of the town of Calistoga. These 40 acres of rugged land are part of an alluvial fan spilling out from the Palisades Mountains in the northeast corner of the Napa Valley. The rocky terrain here is well-drained with a very sparse topsoil which is a perfect combination for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon when combined with the climate of Napa Valley. The low grape yields of these old vines result in highly concentrated wines with an elegance and complexity rarely seen, even within the famous Napa Valley. These grapes have proven to be a worthy backbone for our flagship Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon and are the reason that wine has become the pinnacle of Clos Pegase.
Applebone Vineyards
Our Applebone Vineyard is the four acres of vines planted on our property where the Clos Pegase Winery stands in Calistoga. This vineyard is devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon because of that variety’s affinity to the gravely Bale loam that makes up the soil. One particular clone is used exclusively, the French Dijon Clone 191. This clone ensures small and concentrated fruit that is high quality and unique. High density plantings along with rootstock selection 420A help to limit the vigor. This keeps the vines in balance and eliminates the green, unripe flavors which can be an issue with some wines made of Cabernet Sauvignon. The name of the vineyard comes from the sculpture Applebone by Mark di Suvero, part of founder Jan Schrem's modern art collection.
Dunaweal Vineyard
Our Dunaweal Vineyard is across the street from our winery to the south. This vineyard has a fine Bale loam soil with a layer of gravel and a richer topsoil than our other vineyards. This combination grows rich fruit with unique spicy notes. To complement these characteristics we have planted two Bordeaux varieties that benefit from the added complexity of these flavors—Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Also, this vineyard has other varieties known for their balance of spice and fruit, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, which are used in our Pegaso red blend. The vineyard is named for Dunaweal Lane where this vineyard and the winery are located.