At a glance

Producer

Clos Pegase

Region

Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28–$45 USD (auction and secondary retail)

Tasting profile

Mature aromas of baked apple, hazelnut, butterscotch, toasted brioche, and dried citrus. Softening acidity, modest fruit, honeyed finish.

Evolution: Developed from fresh apple, pear, lemon zest, vanilla, with time evolving toward nutty, caramelized, and earthy flavors.

At peak: At peak 2012–2015 with vibrant fruit, subtle oak integration, crisp minerality; now more tertiary with subdued brightness.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate (slightly softened with age)

Tannins

None (white wine, un-oaked to lightly oaked)

Alcohol

13.5%-14.2% ABV typical

Aging potential

10-12 years under optimal conditions; now late in lifecycle

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2012 to 2015

Optimal window

2011 to 2016

Current status

Late maturity / approaching end of prime

Current condition

Likely showing tertiary notes; remaining bottles should be consumed soon. Some advanced oxidation possible depending on storage.

Napa Carneros Chardonnay is best drunk within 5-8 years of vintage; 2009 is now well past peak, with tertiary aromas dominating and primary fruit receding.

Food pairing

Best with roasted poultry, lobster with butter, mushroom risotto, triple-cream cheeses. For advanced bottles, pair with richer, umami-driven dishes.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Clos Pegase uses integrated pest management, drip irrigation, soil monitoring, and energy-efficient lighting (many adopted post-2014). Mitsuko's Vineyard was transitioning toward more sustainable practices but was not fully certified in 2009.

For 2009, Clos Pegase was in transition to modern Napa sustainability ethos but had not yet implemented full certified programs. Sustainable elements were present but not comprehensive. Vineyard management avoided excess chemical use, but water/energy conservation measures and full carbon-reduction were not fully formalized until later years. Therefore, wine rates above average for the period but well below top benchmarks today.