2016 Gary Farrell Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir

Gary Farrell Wines was founded in 1982 by Garry Farrell, a Napa Valley winemaker and winemaking consultant. His first wines were 1982 Pinot Noirs from the now legendary Rochioli and Allen vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Farrell earned a reputation for outstanding Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay and built a winery overlooking the Russian River Valley in Healdsburg. In 2004 he sold his estate to The Vincraft Group, an investment group specializing in small, premium wineries. Today the estate makes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel.

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.