2016 Liparita Cellars Grand Prize Pinot Noir

Liparita was established in Napa Valley in the late 19th century when William Keyes, a geologist and wine lover, bought land in Napa that reminded him of the volcanic soil of the Lipari Islands near Sicily. Keyes made wine from Howell Mountain vineyards in the early 20th century but the estate closed during Prohibition, reopening in 1987 when it was purchased by San Francisco entrepreneur. In 2006 Spencer Hoopes, a wine collector and entrepreneur, purchased the estate. Today the estate sources grapes from several Napa Valley appellations and makes Cabernet Sauvignon.

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.