Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)
SommeliAI Insights
A well-aged Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with complex flavors and a smooth finish.
About this wine
The 1985 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a harmonious blend of currant, plum, and nutmeg flavors, resulting in a soft and pleasant profile. As it has aged, the wine has developed subtle notes of antique wood and cigar box, adding depth to its character. The tannins have mellowed over time, contributing to a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. This vintage reflects the winery's commitment to producing balanced and approachable wines. The 1985 vintage is a testament to the longevity and evolution of well-crafted Napa Valley Cabernets.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, the primary grape in the 1985 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon, is renowned for its thick skins and small berries, which contribute to the wine's deep color and robust tannins. Cabernet Franc, a parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, adds aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. Petit Verdot, traditionally used in small amounts, enhances the wine's structure and imparts additional depth and color. In Napa Valley's favorable climate, these varietals thrive, allowing winemakers to craft well-balanced and age-worthy wines.
Quick facts
- 🍷 Clos Pegase's 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon was among the inaugural vintages produced by the winery, which was established in 1983.
- 🏛️ The winery's architecture, designed by Michael Graves, is renowned for its postmodern style, blending classical elements with modern design.
- 🐎 The name 'Clos Pegase' combines 'Clos,' meaning enclosed vineyard in French, and 'Pegase,' the French name for Pegasus, reflecting the founder's passion for Greek mythology and French wine culture.
- 🌱 The 1985 vintage was crafted from estate-grown grapes, showcasing the winery's commitment to controlling the entire winemaking process from vine to bottle.
- 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, the primary grape in this wine, is known for its thick skins and small berries, contributing to the wine's deep color and robust tannins, which aid in aging potential.
Palate profile
Producer
Clos Pegase Winery, located in Calistoga, California, was founded in 1983 by Jan and Mitsuko Shrem. In collaboration with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, they held an architectural competition that attracted 96 design teams, ultimately selecting Michael Graves' postmodern design, which was completed in 1987. The winery is renowned for its unique architecture, blending modern and ancient Mediterranean elements, and features 20,000 square feet of caves, including a dramatic Cave Theater used for special events. In 2013, the Shrems sold Clos Pegase to Vintage Wine Estates, continuing its legacy as a destination that celebrates the fusion of wine, art, and architecture.
