2009 Wind Gap Gap's Crown & Griffins Lair Vineyards Pinot Noir

Wind Gap is the latest enterprise of winemaker Pax Mahle and his wife Pamela. The pair were previously part owners of the Sonoma Winery Pax Wine Cellars, but after a falling out with the majority owner, the couple left and started Wind Gap in 2006. The couple sources their grapes from Napa Valley, the Sonoma coast and Paso Robles. Their aim, they say, is to make "honest, authentic and compelling wines from special vineyard sites." While at Pax Wine Cellars, Pax Mahle was considered an up-and-coming maker of artisanal wines. At Wind Gap Mahle continues his enthusiasm for French influenced winemaking and the occasional foray into off-beat varietals, such as Trousseau Gris, a white wine grape grown primarily in France’s Jura region and more recently in select California vineyards. Wind Gap also makes Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Grenache, all of which earn compliments from reviewers. Wine Advocate has written that Wind Gap wines “are some of the most gorgeous, nuanced wines being made in California today…. (the) wines achieve that elusive balanced of depth without excess heaviness.”

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.