Pinot Noir Master Selection: 6 Bottle Tasting Experience
Explore the captivating diversity of Pinot Noir with this 6-bottle Master Selection. This journey takes you from the volcanic soils of Oregon's Dundee Hills to the cool, coastal vineyards of California's Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Discover how this noble grape expresses itself in different terroirs, from the hands of six exceptional producers. This is a deep dive into the heart of American Pinot Noir.
2023 Benmar, Pinot Noir, "Alpine Lakes" Dundee Hills
"The Oregon Debut"
Our journey begins in the heart of Oregon's Dundee Hills with a rising star. Crafted by a Rochioli-trained expert, this Pinot Noir comes from an organically farmed site with classic Jory volcanic soils. With a seductive bouquet of sun-warmed strawberry, wild raspberry, and blood orange, it's a juicy and precise introduction to the elegance of Oregon Pinot Noir.
- Producer: Benmar
- Region: Dundee Hills, Oregon
- Farming: Organic
- Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, blood orange, volcanic minerality.
2023 Drew, Pinot Noir, Mid-Elevation, Mendocino
"The Coastal Influence"
Next, we travel to the rugged Mendocino coast, where the fog kisses the vines. This "Mid-Elevation" bottling from Drew Family Cellars captures the Goldilocks zone of Mendo Pinot, blending fruit from the westernmost vineyard in the county with sites in the Anderson Valley. Organically farmed and minimally handled, it's a balanced and vibrant expression of coastal terroir.
- Producer: Drew Family Cellars
- Region: Mendocino, California
- Farming: Organic
- Tasting Notes: Red cherry, cranberry, forest floor, savory herbs.
2022 Marine Layer, Pinot Noir "Lyra", Sonoma Coast
"The Sonoma Fog"
Named for the thick fog that cools the Sonoma Coast, Marine Layer wines are known for their bright acidity and nuanced flavors. The "Lyra" is a blend from top sites in the Sebastopol Hills, Green Valley, and Petaluma Gap, showcasing the best of the Sonoma Coast. With 35% whole clusters and native yeast fermentation, it's a juicy and fresh Pinot with fine tannins and a refreshing finish.
- Producer: Marine Layer
- Region: Sonoma Coast, California
- Farming: Sustainable
- Tasting Notes: Red cherries, cinnamon candy, fresh roses, fine tannins.
2023 L'Angolo Estate, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills
"The Burgundian Pedigree"
We return to the Dundee Hills to experience the Burgundian touch of L'Angolo Estate. From a 20-acre monopole farmed organically and biodynamically, this Pinot is crafted by a winemaker with experience at some of the world's most revered estates. With a philosophy of minimal intervention, this wine is a profound expression of Dundee Hills terroir, with layers of red fruit, earth, and spice.
- Producer: L'Angolo Estate
- Region: Dundee Hills, Oregon
- Farming: Organic & Biodynamic
- Tasting Notes: Red fruit, earth, spice, silky tannins.
2023 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir "Maresh Vineyard", Dundee Hills
"The Old-Vine Icon"
From one of Oregon's oldest and most iconic Pinot Noir sites, the Maresh Vineyard, this wine is a quintessential expression of Willamette Valley terroir. Organically farmed and minimally handled, it offers lifted aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle floral notes, with a vibrant palate that marries bright acidity with mineral-driven earthiness. A collector's gem with a long, elegant finish.
- Producer: Arterberry Maresh
- Region: Dundee Hills, Oregon
- Farming: Organic
- Tasting Notes: Red cherry, raspberry, floral notes, mineral-driven earthiness.
2021 Three Sticks, Pinot Noir, Price Family Estates
"The Sonoma Benchmark"
Our Pinot Noir exploration culminates with a benchmark expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from the historic Price Family Estates. The 2021 Three Sticks is a wine of precision and elegance, with layers of red cherry, raspberry, and rose petal, framed by subtle spice and silky tannins. A collector's gem and a perfect finale to our journey through American Pinot Noir.
- Producer: Three Sticks
- Region: Sonoma Coast, California
- Farming: Sustainable
- Tasting Notes: Red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, subtle spice, silky tannins.