Courtesy Richard Green Photography
Adam Lee, founder of Clarice Wine Co.
One of California’s most beloved winemakers, Adam Lee, is also a lover of St. Louis.
Lee is best known as the winemaker at Siduri Wines, known for its wide variety of Pinot Noirs, more than two dozen at last count. Last fall, he'd planned to host a wine dinner at Gerard Craft’s Cinder House, featuring the first vintage of the three pinot noirs made by his new company, Clarice Wine Co. Alas, when the California wildfires began to encroach on his vineyards, he was forced to cancel the event, which was never rescheduled.
Previously, Lee and Craft had struck up a friendship based partly on their shared appreciation of the women who raised them. Craft largely credits his love of cooking to his childhood nanny Dia, while Lee learned the importance of using quality ingredients from his grandmother, Clarice H. Phears, which ultimately translated into winemaking and then a namesake winery.
Courtesy Richard Green Photography
Until recently, Clarice wines have only been available to restaurants and country clubs. The Wine and Cheese Place is the first local retail outlet in Missouri to have access to the wines, and the supply is limited. A three-pack (one bottle each) of the 2018 vintage of Clarice’s Pinot Noirs (all rated in the mid-90s) is currently available on a pre-sell basis (descriptions and wine ratings noted here). The tasting set is $270 and can be ordered here. The deadline to order has been extended to 5 p.m. this Monday, August 10. The wines will be available for pickup in early September.
All who participate in the presale will be invited to attend an exclusive Zoom tasting with Lee on Thursday, September 10, at 6 p.m., hosted by local wine professional Christy Rayfield. The winemaker plans to discuss Clarice, Pinot Noir, the wine industry, vineyards, grapes, and more. Customers who purchase the Zoom tasting set will have an opportunity to purchase additional Clarice wines after the event.
Clarice’s wine package and Lee’s Zoom event present a rare opportunity to experience three premium Pinots and taste them alongside the winemaker who made them.
