We arrived here at approx. 2 pm (not too early and plan not to stay too late).

There were a series of tents set-up in front of their current residence. The new one is still under construction. We were immediately getting our nose full of the pork and sausage being grilled on the BBQ. First stop was getting a glass and a plate. We hit the food station first. Besides the grilled meats, there were fresh vegetable (some grilled), a pesto (very spicy from all the garlic) and different kinds of breads. I had to go to another table for the different cheeses and strawberries. One of the last 3 bottles of their estate olive oil was out. It was very good and made me sorry I missed out on the inaugural realease. All of the edibles were very good. Later on there were different types of cookies put out.

Steve Pepe was at a table pouring various Chardonnays. I didn't try any since I wanted to focus on Pinot.

Rob Hagen and his wife were taking future orders while their daughters were doing hat and t-shirt sales.

Chanda was at a table pouring Clos Pepe library wines. 2000-2002 Pinots. There were also some 2000 Clos Pepe Syrahs from the Beckmen vineyards. Brian and Kimberly Loring came by and set up bottles with barrel samples of the 04 LWC Clos Pepe Pinot and the 04 AP VIN Clos Pepe Pinot.

The table behind Chanda was pouring the 03 and 04 Clos Pepe Pinots.

The real party was at the large format table. I tasted just a couple of things from here. By the time I heard something really good was being poured, it would be gone by the time I got back there.

Initially Wes was being interviewed by wine radio station. He then welcomed everyone and pointed out a few special guests, Brian Loring, Greg Brewer, Ken Brown, and our own Bob Summers for being the first person to buy a full allocation of Clos Pepe wines. I did run into Greg Brewer and got to meet him briefly. There were quite a few people wanting to speak to him. I did not find Ken Brown, as I would have liked to arrange a tasting of his wines. Unfortunately, this did not happen.

The wines (that I remember);
2000 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot; A little bit of fizz on this, with nice rasberry flavors, a little too much acidity for me, but a good drink.

2002 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot; A bit more structure to this wine and a few tannins on the finish.
Good fruit flavors and mouthfeel, could use some more time in the bottle.

2002 Clos Pepe VS Pinot; Similar to the Estate pinot, but the fruit flavors were a bit more distinctive.
Again, this could use some more time in the bottle.

2003 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot; A bright fresh pinot, with good fruit flavors and excellent overall balance.
Of all the Clos Pepe's, this one was easily drinking the best. I would not hesitate to pop one at any time.
So far my favorite Clos Pepe Estate.

2004 Clos Pep Estate Pinot; Very similar to the 03 with just a few more tannins. It seemed just a little tight. A great wine that will be even better in about a year.

2004 AP Vin Clos Pepe Pinot; Wow! A big powerful wine with excellent structure and depth. Great fruit flavors. Brian warned us that the alcohol level was 15%, but I didn't catch any heat. This might be the best Clos Pepe Pinot I've ever tasted.

Everywhere we sat down to eat or drink, we easily got into a conversation with whoever was close by. We didn't get to talk to Wes much for obvious reasons. It was a good BBQ and I look forward to the next one.

Thanks for the write up. Sounds great and wish we had been able to make it. We have really enjoyed the '03 pinot and are looking forward to the '04.

AHK,

Thanks much! This helps alot.

You guys are welcome.
Make sure you come out next year.

The '04 AP Vin Clos Pepe is an s$$-kickin' good wine.

-Al

I'm jealous...I missed out! Had family duties back east...
Al...thanks for the great wrap up...I missed a hell'uv-a event! Glad I coud be present in a bottle however...
Appreciate the kudos on my 2004 juice...I owe it all to the dedication/passion of Wes and the extreme mentoring/guidance of Brian. They rock!

Thanks!
Andrew

Where 'back East'?

Bud...I was between Boston and NY for a week+...all family related...my god it was hot and humid! Who ordered that up!!!???

Andrew

I did... to help you remember why you live where you do!