2009 Soliste T-Block Sonatera Vineyard Pinot Noir

Soliste is a collaboration between two couples dedicated to Burgundian wines. Elisabeth and Claude Koeberle and Beth and Donald Plumley established their estate in 2005, sourcing grapes from Sonoma Coast vineyards. The estate name comes from the word that Burgundy winemakers use for the barrel of wine they put away for family and friends. Along with Pinot Noir, Soliste also produces Syrah, rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The wine is primarily available only via mailing list.

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.