2023 Scribe Pinot Noir Rosé

Scribe Winery is part of the wave of new California wine ventures operated by young people aiming to redefine California winemaking. Founded in 2007 by brothers Andrew and Adam Mariani, their Sonoma estate was once one of the state's first Riesling vineyards. Another part of the estate was a turkey farm. The brothers come from a family of California walnut farmers that goes back four generations and their approach to winemaking is non-interventionist and site-specific. In keeping with the German wine heritage of the property, Scribe produces Sylvaner and Riesling, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.