2018 Cobb Wendling Vineyard Pinot Noir

Cobb Wines is the story of a father-son-team with a shared passion for pinot noir and science. David Cobb and his son Ross founded Cobb Wines in 2001. David Cobb was a biologist specializing in marine science, and Ross earned a degree in sustainable agriculture. Inspired by his love of Pinot Noir, David in the 1980s researched the ecology of the Sonoma Coastlands and decided that the area was suited to Pinot Noir. So, with his late wife, David bought vineyards and planted Pinot Noir in 1989. David had planned simply to sell grapes to boutique winemakers, but Ross had other ideas. After college he learned winemaking by working at wineries in Napa Valley, including the renowned Williams Selyem. He eventually became winemaker at Flowers Vineyard and makes the wines at his family’s estate. Cobb Wines’ debut release was their 2001 Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir. The estate makes Pinot Noir and a smaller amount of Chardonnay. Wine Advocate has noted that the wines “are delicate, polished Pinots that reflect the unique personality of this coastal site and all of its shades of nuance.”

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

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.