Handcrafted Pinot Noir

“David Grega is a certified sommelier and wine consultant living in the Napa valley. In addition to consulting and wine writing David made wine for his own label “Bellum Cellars” in 2008. E-mail davidg@wine16.com for more information."


Winery: Sojourn Cellars

Vintage: 2007

Appellation: Sonoma Coast

Vineyard: Sangiacomo

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Winemaker: Erich Bradley

Average Price: $48

Winery Notes: Sojourn Cellars is not interested in making anything but the most expressive and well rounded wines they can produce. Specializing in Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, Sojourns careful attention to detail starts in the vineyard. Only fruit from unique and expressive terroirs is aloud to be cultivated and carefully crafted into beautiful wines that everyone should have the pleasure of enjoying.

Tasting Notes: Bold and rich aromas of fig, black cherry and apricot give way to an alluring spice and ever so intriguing mint. The palate boasts more of the expressive fruit flavours promised on the nose with an absolutely stunning round and structured approach. Lively acidity and extremely refined tannins give way to a long and satisfying finish. This Pinot Noir is truly art in a glass.

Overall Rating: 97 points

Food Pairing Suggestions: Try this wine with your favourite poultry or pork dishes. I would especially love to see this paired with rosemary lamb chop and Pinot Noir reduction. Delicious!

Small in size, big in quality!

“David Grega is a certified sommelier and wine consultant living in the Napa valley. In addition to consulting and wine writing David made wine for his own label “Bellum Cellars” in 2008. E-mail davidg@wine16.com for more information.

Winery: Radio-Coteau

Vintage: 2006

Appellation: Sonoma Coast

Vineyard: Terra Neuma

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Winemaker: Eric Sussman

Average Price: $75

Winery Notes: Radio-Coteau is small in size yet big in quality. Eric Sussman believes in a more hands off Burgundian style of winemaking that helps instil a real sense of place in his small lot wines from the western Sonoma coast.

Tasting notes: A powerful and perfume filled nose with aromas of fresh cherry, ripe strawberry and intriguing hints of wood spice and vanilla. On the palate more of the fresh red fruits are kept in line by a stunning, well refined tannin structure. Just the right amount of acidity to give the wine an overall freshness and lift. A long and well rounded finish complements this exceptional Pinot Noir.

Overall rating: 91 points

Food Pairing Suggestions: Radio-Coteau is blessed to have a cellar master who is also a chef. There are many great recipes located on their web site www.radiocoteau.com For this Pinot Noir I recommend trying a slow roasted pork loin or seasoned squab.