2023 Regusci Sonoma County Pinot Noir

Regusci Winery in the Stag’s Leap District was established in 1932 when Gaetano Regusci purchased 289 acres. The estate included a 19th century winery but Regusci mostly farmed the property growing only enough grapes for homemade wine for the family. In the 1960s his son Angelo refocused the estate by planting Bordeaux varieties. In 1985 Angelo’s son Jim started a vineyard management firm and at the same time started his own estate winery. Today Regusci produces 6,500 cases of estate wine annually. Regusci makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Blends and Chardonnay.

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.

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.