Wine is a beautiful thing... Clos Pepe Vineyards

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Clos Pepe Vineyards.

Owned and developed by labor attorneys Catherine and Steve Pepe and under the direct supervision of Catherine’s son from a prefious marriage, Wes Hagen, Clos Pepe is one of the most lauded vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills.

Rolling gently over the foot of the La Purisima Hills on the north side of Highway 246, the 28-acre Clos Pepe vineyard is planted to 24 acres of Pinot Noir (clones: Pommard 4, 115, 667 and 777) and 4 acres of Chardonnay (Dijon 76 and Wente clones) on well-draining sandy soils. Wes Hagen points out that despite being located in the northern portion of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (and, thus, farther from the ocaen) the vineyard enjoys cooler temperatures than in the southern portion of the AVA – between the Santa Rosa and the Santa Rita Hills – which is closer to the ocean.

The majority of the fruit is sold to high-end producers throughout California, with only 25% retained for the estate label. Wes Hagen, who oversaw the planting and development of the former horse ranch into a vineyard beginning in 1996, adheres to the spirit (but not necessarily the letter) of biodynamic and organic farming methods. This includes careful cover crop selection, organic composting and raising miniature sheep to eat the weeds (and provide some free fertilizer).

Going beyond attentive farming, the Pepes employ three full-time vineyard workers who receive salaries above the regional and industry standards as well as medical benefits for their families. This no doubt, reflects the Pepes’ personal values but, from a business standpoint, ensures a greater degree of commitment to the vineyard by providing the workers job security, stability and safety. Under Steve Pepe’s and Wes Hagen’s oversight, the estate label produces Pinot Noir which strives to be composed and food-friendly as well as smaller lots of Chablis-style Chardonnay (steel fermented and aged in older to neutral oak barrels).

2005 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 92 Points

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	Home Wine U The Buzz Wine Reviews Review Archive Rating System Calendar Fun Stuff About Us Feedback Key Contacts Search FAQ Links	Wine Tasting Notes Clos Pepe Vineyards. Owned and developed by labor attorneys Catherine and Steve Pepe and under the direct supervision of Catherine’s son from a prefious marriage, Wes Hagen, Clos Pepe is one of the most lauded vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Rolling gently over the foot of the La Purisima Hills on the north side of Highway 246, the 28-acre Clos Pepe vineyard is planted to 24 acres of Pinot Noir (clones: Pommard 4, 115, 667 and 777) and 4 acres of Chardonnay (Dijon 76 and Wente clones) on well-draining sandy soils. Wes Hagen points out that despite being located in the northern portion of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (and, thus, farther from the ocaen) the vineyard enjoys cooler temperatures than in the southern portion of the AVA – between the Santa Rosa and the Santa Rita Hills – which is closer to the ocean. The majority of the fruit is sold to high-end producers throughout California, with only 25% retained for the estate label. Wes Hagen, who oversaw the planting and development of the former horse ranch into a vineyard beginning in 1996, adheres to the spirit (but not necessarily the letter) of biodynamic and organic farming methods. This includes careful cover crop selection, organic composting and raising miniature sheep to eat the weeds (and provide some free fertilizer). Going beyond attentive farming, the Pepes employ three full-time vineyard workers who receive salaries above the regional and industry standards as well as medical benefits for their families. This no doubt, reflects the Pepes’ personal values but, from a business standpoint, ensures a greater degree of commitment to the vineyard by providing the workers job security, stability and safety. Under Steve Pepe’s and Wes Hagen’s oversight, the estate label produces Pinot Noir which strives to be composed and food-friendly as well as smaller lots of Chablis-style Chardonnay (steel fermented and aged in older to neutral oak barrels). 2005 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 92 Points Back to top. Search our wine reviews archive by: review date, vintage and winery.	Get the buzz: Wine reviews Great stories Interviews Wine education tools New content every month It's FREE! Click here


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