The Pinot family is rich and famous and quite numerous, and while Chardonnay, once considered a member has turned out not to be, the two most widely planted members of the family, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, are February's featured focii.
If it had been for the kind of passion that well-made Pinot Noir can induce, California might have given up on the grape after a century and more of frustration. Fortunately, the locals did not and the last couple of decades of new plantings and improved winemaking both here and up in Oregon have yielded a bounty of great wine.
Perhaps more familiarly known by its Italian monicker, Pinot Grigio, this grape makes an ocean of everyday drinking wine and has become one of the top sellers in restaurants in this country. It may not make "noble" wine, but likeable wine at an easy price tag is always welcome.
We know now that Napa Valley Cabernet from favored locations will age well. With this tasting, we look at wines that are very ripe and come from atop the Mayacamas range on the border between Napa and Sonoma Counties.
