2016 Coup de Foudre Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Coup de Foudre was founded by John Schwartz and Danielle Price in Napa Valley. Price has an extensive background as a sommelier and a developer of private label wines for high-end clients in New York and Las Vegas. Schwartz is co-owner of Amuse Bouche winery in Napa. The term “coup de foudre” means “lightning strike,” as in a remarkable moment that just occurred. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and several blends. A flagship blend is the 37.2 Cuvee, a Pomerol style blends of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written the the 2008 37.2 Cuvee “appears to be a Napa interpretation of a top Pomerol from Bordeaux..opulent and exuberant…”

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.