Beau Marchais "Clos Pepe Vineyard - Est" Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2020

Jeb Dunnuck : 97 Points

(7/22/2021) Gorgeous stuff, with vibrant plum, mulberry, iron, violets, and spice, the 2020 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard Est has a thrilling texture, medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine tannins, and one heck of a great finish. It's a “wow” Pinot Noir for sure. All destemmed and aged in new oak, it can be enjoyed any time over the coming decade. It brings a beautiful mix of richness and elegance, which isn’t easy to pull off. Maturity: 2022 - 2032.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni : 93 Points

(10/2021) The 2020 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard Est is brighter and more vibrant than the Pinot that emerges from the western side of the property. Crushed rocks, red berry fruit, mint, orange peel and white pepper are all laced together in this intense, finely chiseled Pinot from Adam Lee and Philippe Cambie. I would open this well in advance or cellar it for a few years to allow some of the more angular contours time to soften. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2035.

James Suckling : 93 Points

(10/12/2021) Intense nose of blueberries, currants, plums, rosemary, lavender and seaweed. Some cracked pepper and cocoa, too. Full-bodied with an impressive tannin structure. Compact and firm. Better from 2023.

Wine Spectator : 94 Points

(2022) This powerful red offers a latticework of dark currant, cherry and plum flavors that are filled with notes of iron and stone and backed by rich acidity. Accents of dried green herbs midpalate lead to peppery hints on the long, structured finish. Drink now through 2028. 286 cases made.