2011 Kanzler Sonoma Coast Reserve Pinot Noir

Kanzler Vineyards is in Sebastopol. It was founded in 1996 when Stephen and Lynda Kanzler planted their 20 acres in Pinot Noir. Their business plan was to source their grapes to artisanal California producers, which they did for several years. Then in 2004 the couple launched their own label and their first release earned 93 pts from Wine Spectator. The family-run business includes the Kanzler’s two adult children, and their son Alex is winemaker. Kanzler Vineyards makes Pinot Noir exclusively, and the wines routinely earn compliments and ratings in the low- to mid-90s from reviewers.

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.