Clos Pegase
A Napa Valley icon blending architectural grandeur with consistently excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot since 1987.
Clos Pegase is a prestigious winery in Calistoga, Napa Valley, founded by Jan Shrem and established as a showcase for fine Bordeaux-style wines paired with world-class architecture and art. The 50-acre property features a stunning postmodern winery designed by Michael Graves and houses an exceptional private art collection, creating a destination for wine collectors and culture enthusiasts alike. Known for structured, age-worthy reds with consistent quality across multiple vintages and a philosophy emphasizing terroir expression.
- Founded in 1987 by Jan Shrem, a businessman and art collector who envisioned wine and art as complementary pursuits
- Located in Calistoga's volcanic benchland, approximately 500 feet elevation with distinctive volcanic ash soils
- Winery building designed by renowned architect Michael Graves and completed in 1991, featuring a distinctive modernist aesthetic
- Primary varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, with emphasis on Bordeaux blends
- The estate includes a 3,500-piece art collection displayed throughout the property, one of California's premier wine country galleries
- Produces approximately 25,000 cases annually across multiple tiers: Homage (flagship), Estate, and Pegase Vineyards selections
- Member of the Calistoga Wine Alliance and maintains 100% estate control of production from vineyard to cellar
Definition & Origin
Clos Pegase is a winery and vineyard estate in Calistoga, Napa Valley, representing the convergence of fine wine production and artistic expression. The name 'Pegase' references Pegasus, the mythological winged horse symbolizing the marriage of wine and art. Founded by Jan Shrem in 1987, with the Michael Graves-designed winery building completed in 1991, Clos Pegase began commercial wine production in 1987., the winery was established with a singular mission: to produce world-class wines within an architectural and artistic masterpiece.
- Clos = French term for enclosed vineyard or winery estate
- Located on 50 acres of prime Calistoga terroir with historic 1880s vineyard parcels
- Designed as a vertical integration model controlling all aspects of production
Why It Matters
Clos Pegase represents a transformative philosophy in American wine culture—the elevation of winery experiences beyond mere production facilities into integrated cultural destinations. The property proved that California wineries could achieve international quality standards while serving as venues for art appreciation and architectural innovation. The winery's consistent critical acclaim and longevity demonstrates the viability of founder-led estates committed to quality over volume, influencing a generation of luxury wine producers in Napa Valley.
- Pioneered the 'wine and art' experience model now standard at premium wineries
- Achieved cult-like following among collectors of Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends
- Influenced sustainable viticulture practices on volcanic soils in Calistoga
Vineyard & Terroir Expression
Clos Pegase's 50-acre estate encompasses multiple soil types and microclimates, primarily volcanic ash and iron-rich soils characteristic of Calistoga's benchland. The property's elevation (approximately 500 feet) provides cooler nighttime temperatures crucial for balanced phenolic development in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The volcanic geology imparts distinctive mineral characteristics, with wines exhibiting pronounced dark fruit concentration, structured tannins, and excellent aging potential.
- Volcanic benchland soils with exceptional drainage and mineral content
- Cool-night Calistoga climate extends growing season for optimal ripeness
- Historic 1880s vineyard blocks replanted with modern techniques maintaining historic character
Signature Wines & Production
The flagship wine is Homage, an age-worthy Bordeaux blend (typically 80-90% Cabernet Sauvignon) released only in exceptional vintages, representing the pinnacle of Clos Pegase's winemaking philosophy. Estate bottlings, including single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and blended offerings, are produced from selected vineyard parcels and released in greater volume. Recent vintages (2018-2021) demonstrate the winery's consistency in achieving wine ratings of 92-96 points from major critics, with secondary releases offering superior value.
- Homage 2016 (96 points) and 2017 (94 points) represent benchmark quality
- Estate Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in French oak, emphasizing structure over extraction
- Chardonnay production focuses on mineral-driven styles reflecting terroir rather than oak dominance
Architecture & Experience
Michael Graves' postmodern design for Clos Pegase creates functional elegance: a 23,000-square-foot structure featuring a prominent rotunda, sweeping barrel caves, and exhibition spaces that integrate architecture with winemaking processes. The underground barrel caves maintain consistent temperature and humidity for optimal barrel aging while providing dramatic visitor experiences. The property's integration of art collection (featuring works by Steinberg, Motherwell, and contemporary artists) alongside vintage releases creates an immersive destination appealing to connoisseurs and cultural enthusiasts.
- Michael Graves design won 1992 recognition as distinguished wine country architecture
- Underground barrel cave system maintains 55°F and 70% humidity year-round
- Art exhibitions rotate seasonally, featuring contemporary and classical works alongside Clos Pegase wine releases
Collector Appeal & Investment Potential
Clos Pegase wines demonstrate strong secondary market performance, particularly the Homage releases from premier vintages (2007, 2010, 2016, 2017). The winery's founder-controlled operations, consistent critical acclaim, and limited production create natural supply constraints supporting price appreciation. The integration of art and architecture adds brand prestige factors often relevant to collectors seeking multi-dimensional investment properties, though primary appeal remains wine quality and aging potential.
- Homage releases typically appreciate 8-12% annually in secondary markets
- 2007 Homage (95+ points) now commands $180-220 per bottle on auction markets
- Estate selections offer earlier drinking windows while maintaining 10-15 year aging potential
Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon and Homage blends exhibit voluptuous dark fruit (blackcurrant, plum, black cherry) with integrated mineral undertones reflecting volcanic terroir. The wines showcase firm but refined tannin structure, medium-plus body, and subtle French oak influences (toast, vanilla, cedar) that enhance rather than dominate primary flavors. Age-worthy selections develop secondary characteristics—leather, tobacco, graphite—after 5-8 years of bottle maturation, with optimal drinking windows extending 15-20 years from vintage.