2018 Cobb Rice-Spivak Vineyard Pinot Noir, 3-bottle Lot

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.”

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.