Slapping Basses; Punching Caps
Slapping Basses; Punching Caps
Primus frontman releases second vintage of Russian River pinot
If Les Claypool’s wines are half as popular as his bass lines, it won’t be long before we’re all bowing down to the pachydermata.
Pachy what? Leave it to the eccentric Primus frontman to name his Russian River Valley pinot noir after an obsolete order of mammals that includes hogs and elephants.
Purple Pachyderm, now in its second vintage, is the flagship wine of Claypool Cellars. The whimsical rocker started the Sebastopol boutique winery five years ago following a home winemaking project to make “fancy booze” with friends. In his online bio, the musician hints at trading in his cannabis habit for wine drinking—a pleasure he fell in love with 14 years ago when he moved to west Sonoma County.
The 2009 Purple Pachyderm “Hurst Vineyard” Russian River Pinot Noir, which sells on the website for $42, is rich yet light-bodied with aromas of plums and flavors of cherries. Claypool and company, including winemaker Shad Chappell, also produce the cocoa-tinged 2009 Fanci Rhone-Style Blend ($24) made from Lake County syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre. Unfortunately, the 2009 Pink Playtpus Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Rosé is already sold out.
Like we said, bow down.
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Tags: Claypool Cellars , Les Claypool
