"A place of pilgrimage...Clos Pegase"

I still remember the first time I ever tried a wine from Clos Pegase.  Mitsuko's Vineyard Merlot was the wine and if I close my eyes I can still remember the lush blackberry, cinnamon spice with hints of tobacco, that are so indicative of it.  In truth, what drew me originally to the wine was the label and its mythological reference.  Since then, I have opened many bottles of Clos Pegase and when Danny and I took our historic trip through all the great wine regions of the West, I made time to stop and share with him some of my favorites.

Clos Pegase was founded in 1985 by Jan Shrem, who had a successful publishing career in Japan.  He became fascinated with winemaking and sought out the Godfather of American winemaking, Andre Tchelistcheff.  Shrem's goal was to create a unique wine estate that combines his love of art, architecture and wine.

Somm in the Vineyard

The winery is located on 50 acres in Calistoga with another 365 acres of vineyards in Carneros.  The Mitsuko's Vineyard in the Carneros is named for Jan's late wife with whom he had envisioned this endeavor. Altogether, Clos Pegase touts 450 acres in Napa Valley made up of four vineyards, each with unique characteristics that bring out the best of the grapes grown in each vintage.

Vines within reach of the winery

If you are looking for consistently outstanding Napa wine, here is a label that you can trust.  Cheers to Jan Shrem and current Winemaker, Richard Sowalsky for keeping the legacy going!

"Isn't that a Daisy?...Daisy cocktail that is"

The "Daisy" is a cocktail family all to it's own.  Essentially a Daisy consists of spirit, citrus, sweetener and a little soda water.  Jerry Thomas does call for shaved ice, while Harry Craddock calls for cracked ice.  Glassware varies from source to source and many tend to garnish with fresh fruit and or mint.  One thing remains constant, these drinks are refreshing and perfect for summer sipping.

I recently posted about a classic Bacardi cocktail (Daisy de Santiago) and it got me thinking about what makes a Daisy cocktail.  With the ever evolving world of cocktails, it is necessary to remember what exactly defines the difference in the classic categories.  This particular style leaves lots of room to play and experiment with.

If you are looking for a light and refreshing summer sipper, that won't add on a lot of calories, try this easy recipe...

Isn't that a Daisy?!

2oz Herradura Ultra Tequila

1 bar spoon of Herradura Agave Nectar

1/2 oz Lime Juice

1/2 oz Lemon Juice

Persian Cucumber

Soda Water

Begin my muddling 3 slices of Persian Cucumber.  Add Tequila, Agave Nectar, 1/2 oz Lime Juice, 1/2 oz Lemon Juice and shake.  In a Goblet, add fresh cracked ice and strain, then top with soda water.  Garnish with lemon and lime zest (discarded) and add 3 slices of Persian Cucumber.

*Sun and pool optional

Enjoy!