2012 Chappellet Vineyards Cervantes Pinot Noir

Chappellet Vineyard was founded in Napa Valley in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet. Donn Chappellet was a businessman and entrepreneur from Southern California before turning to winemaking in Napa Valley. Philip Togni was winemaker for a period early in the winery’s history, and the estate was noted for its Cabernets. Today the 110-acre estate is run by the second generation of the Chappellet family and it still focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon, though it also makes Chardonnay.

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.