Pinot Noir is known to be the heartbreak grape, it is difficult to grow and generally requires a minimal approach of winemaking. I listed four Pinot Noirs from notable regions in the US.
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Truchard Pinot Noir Carneros , Napa Valley
This is one of my favorite value Pinot Noir from California. Easy to drink medium bodied, red cherry, cranberry, violet, earthy note, refreshing acidity. Perfect for fish! Yes! Even white fish! Go well with salad, chicken, pasta dish with light tomato sauce. Don’t be afraid to try new pairing.
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Patz & Hall Pinot Noir, Carneros, Sonoma Coast
This is what I drink at home, lots of consumers and producers like to know what sommelier personally drinks. Patz & Hall is a small family-owned producer committed to handcraft small lots and single vineyard of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir exclusively by working closely with the finest growers. Delicious notes of ripe black cherry, raspberry and plum with a hint of smoky bacon, earthy notes of mushroom and cedar, full bobied, rich with a racy acidity. Paired well with Grilled salmon, Risotto with wild mushrooms, Duck breast, and Beef Bourguignon.
Sylvie Gervais, is a long time colleague and friend to South Florida Food
and Wine. With her many sommelier certifications, AIWS, DWS, CSW, CS
and current position as Wine Director & Sommelier at Mizner Country Club in Delray Beach we reached out to Sylvie to launch our Sommelier Picks section of South Florida Lifestyle Guide. We've learned a lot from Sylvie over the years, we value her recommendations and immense understanding of wine so it was only fitting that we have her share with us some of the homerun Pinot Noirs on her wine list that can be found in most fine wine retail stores.
Sandhi, Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara County
It may be hard to find but most Fine Wine Boutique may carry it. Sandhi means in ancient Sanskrit “collaboration” to reflect the partnership between Charles Bank former owner of Screaming Eagle and Jonata, Raj Parr’s Micheal Mina Wine Director and winemaker Sashi Moorman. It does very well on my wine list at Mizner Country Club. Santa Barbara County has become very fashionable lately. Sandhi is intense and rich notes of black raspberry, black cherry, flowers and spices. This bright and juicy Pinot paired well with veal chop, roasted pork with stuffing, and lamb stew.
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Domaine Serene “Yamhill, Cuvée,” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Oregon
Domaine Serene is another of my all time favorite. Yamhill Cuvée,” is signature blend of the finest quality grapes from their estate in Willamette Valley. Less complex and less expensive than their “big sister” Evenstad Reserve. Notes of red berries, spices, subtle mineral tone and a smooth finish. Vibrant acidity, food friendly goes well with Coq au Vin, Salmon with Teryaki sauce, Lobster ravioli.
southfloridalifestyleguide.com
sommelier picks
with sylvie gervais