2008 W.H. Smith Marimar Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir

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.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

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.