2001 Blackjack Ranch Alix de Virgy Pinot Noir

Blackjack Ranch was founded in the 1990s by Roger Wisted, who invented and patented a variation of the blackjack card game. Trademarked as California Blackjack, the success of that venture allowed him to buy land north of Santa Barbara where he planted vineyards. His debut commercial releases were in 1997. Today the estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir and its flagship wine, Harmonie, which is a Bordeaux blend.

Arroyo Grande Valley AVA is a 42,880-acre appellation within the Central Coast AVA. The appellation surrounds the town of Arroyo Grande, and is located southwest of San Luis Obispo. Located within four miles of the Pacific Ocean, the 16-mile long valley includes several microclimates, such a cooler lower one on the west end, where Pinot Noir is grown, and a higher, hotter microclimate inland, where Zinfandel thrives. Arroyo Grande was officially recognized as an AVA in 1990. Many grapes are grown here, including Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Tempranillo. Like most of the Central Coast, this AVA has a long tradition of farming. Most of the ever-growing number of wineries here have sprung up in the last 30 years and they tend to focus on Rhone varietals.

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.