1996 W.H. Smith Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot Noir, 4-bottle Lot

W.H. Smith Wines was founded in 1992 by Bill and Joan Smith, who founded La Jota. W.H. Smith is the couple’s venture into Pinot Noir with grapes coming from the vineyards they own in the Sonoma Coast appellation. W.H. Smith is also now producing Cabernet Sauvignon.

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.