after a most excellent journey (circa Bill & Ted), where my cricket team ventured to Marin County, California for a tournament I discovered my love of Californian Pinot Noir. I've never been a fan of California wines; always preferring French, Chilean, Argentine, Aussie, or NZ wines. But on a day trip we touring eleven went into the Napa Valley region for a tour and drunken adventure. One of the group did some excellent planning and got a limo for us all - not wise to be tasting/driving, especially as none of us were spitting it out.
I cannot remember all of the trip, I do remember going to two large well known, and somewhat bland vineyards. Seems like too many vineyards lose sight of the goal, it's not how big your tasting room is - it's how good the wine is. We had lunch as at a famous sparkling wine vineyard(champagne is only used in France, per lawsuits) and finished the day at a small invite only vineyard, which to this day I receive cases from. They're wine is what truly got me entranced with Pinot Noir from California. (Reynolds Family Winery)
I've had Finger Lakes Pinot Noir , and Oregon Pinot Noir , but they don't really measure up. I've been told I should try British Columbia Pinot, but haven't had the luck of finding any yet.
So whilst at Total Wine in Delaware, I happened upon Etude Heirloom from the Carneros Valley. (The Wine I fell in love with from Reynolds Family Winery is Pinot Noir from the Carneros Valley.) The Etude isn't cheap, but I enjoyed it enough that I tried to get some bottle shipped to me - damn you PA Liquor Control Board. So I'll be relegated to going back to Total Wine to buy a case or three.
And yet it was this wine, as well as news that Reynolds can ship to me again, that I shall have to venture towards to Napa again for tour. Now just need to finds some wine-eacs to follow suit. (oenophile is too pretentious)
