Attention Pinot Noir Lovers:

I love a great Pinot Noir, the red wine that I believe has the greatest variation of characteristics and flavors than any other grape variety.

Pinot Noir may be the toughest grape to grow, but the effort is well worth it. It’s a fickle grape that demands the ultimate growing conditions in that it flourishes with warm days and cool nights. Pinot Noir is well-suited to pair with duck, lamb and pork and you’ll find flavors reminiscent of sweet red berries, plums, tomatoes, cherries and often a notable earthy flavor. I look for a spicy or peppery Pinot that’s fruit forward and has a silky smooth finish.

Pinot Noir’s inspiration hails from red Burgundy, one of France’s most prized wines and Pinot Noir can be found planted in regions around the world to include California, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and even Italy. Below you will find my friend and Mentor, Master Sommelier Michael Jordan’s California Pinot Noir Picks for 2008.

Cheers!
Jamie

*The following Pinot Noir picks are courtesy of Michael Jordan, Master Sommelier of the Napa Rose Restaurant at The Grand Californian Hotel at Downtown Disney

http://disneyland.disney.go.com

All affordable "Gems"...all great California Pinot Noirs!

• Buena Vista, Carneros
• Ancien Vineyards, Carneros
• Alta Maria, Santa Maria Valley
• Native 9, Santa Maria Valley
• Hug Cellars, Paso Robles
• Windward Vineyard, Paso Robles
• MacMurray Ranch, Winemakers Block, Russian River Valley
• Dutton-Goldfield, Russian River Valley
• DeLoach Vineyards, Russian River Valley
• Sapphire Hill Vineyards, Russian River Valley
• Gary Farrell, Russian River Valley
• Baileyana Winery, Edna Valley
• Au Bon Climat, Santa Maria Valley
• Tantara, Santa Maria Valley
• Clos Pepe, Santa Rita Hills
• Melville Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
• Lucia, Gary's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands