Handley Cellars is a Northern California landmark and, for many California wine lovers, a benchmark example of a true “cool climate” Pinot Noir: finessed, brightly perfumed, and blessed with that “forest floor” character that distinguishes great red Burgundies as well. Founding winemaker Milla Handley, who passed away in 2020, was a proponent of organic farming long before it became fashionable, having obtained certification for the Handley Estate Vineyard in 2005, and now her daughter, Lulu, runs the estate with the help of winemaker Randy Schock.

This estate-grown Pinot Noir is Handley’s flagship bottling and it continues to be one of the greatest values in California wine. More than half the fruit comes from the Handley Estate Vineyard, with the remainder supplied by the “Helluva” and “RSM Estate” vineyards in Anderson Valley. Soft, plush, and moderate in both alcohol (13.4%) and oak influence (it is aged 10 months in 25% new French oak barrels), this is an easy-drinking, red-fruited expression of Pinot Noir. Hints of warm baking spices and hibiscus tea carry over to a long, pleasing finish. A terrific choice for roasted Pacific salmon, cranberry-stuffed pork loin, or your preferred roast chicken recipe.