2018 Kenwood The Barn Pinot Noir

Kenwood Vineyards is a 263-acre winery in Sonoma Valley. It was founded in 1970 and in 1999 it was acquired by Gary Heck, who also owns Korbel Champagne Cellars and other California wineries. The estate makes numerous wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and dessert wines. It is also known for its 30 years of producing an artist series of Cabernet Sauvignon, in which artworks by living and deceased artists are used on the labels.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.