2005 Villa Mt. Eden Bien Nacido Vineyard Grand Reserve Pinot Noir

Villa Mt. Eden was founded in 1881, making it California’s 11th bonded winery. In the 1970s it was owned by Anne McWilliams, granddaughter of the founder of the Bank of America, and improvements were made. For a few years in the 1980s the much-admired Napa winemaker Nils Venge made the wines. In 1986 the estate was sold to Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates, now known as Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the large Washington state based wine conglomerate.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

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.