2001 Flowers Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir

Flowers Vineyard & Winery is a 321-acre estate on a ridge on the northern Sonoma Coast. It was established in 1989 when Walt and Joan Flowers purchased the land. The Flowers had owned a nursery in Pennsylvania, but had long wanted to combine their love of agriculture with their interest in winemaking. The estate makes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay only, using organic and sustainable farming practices. Wine reviewers have given the wines high compliments. Matt Kramer of Wine Spectator has written that Flowers wines are among a small group of U.S. Pinot Noirs that are approaching Burgundian Grand Cru-like quality.

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.