2011 August West Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir

August West Wine is a partnership started in 2003 that takes its name from an old Grateful Dead Song, Wharfrat, in which a guy named August West is down on his luck and consoles himself with “Burgundy.” The trio behind August West are hardly down and out. They are vineyard specialist Gary Fransconi, winemaker Ed Kurtzman and businessman Howard Graham. Kurtzman’s resume includes winemaking stints at Bernardus, Chalone and Testarossa. August West makes Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands and the Russian River Valley. Only about 1,000 cases are produced annually and most is sold through a mailing list. Syrah and Chardonnay are also produced.

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.