This time of year presents loads of "challenges" when picking out a wine for dinner. It's raining... no wait, it's sunny... it's hot as blazes... now it's cool... aaaggghhhh. I want a red wine... but... just not too heavy...

I am not exactly making a huge breakthrough in wine pairing here... but Pinot Noir is the perfect bottle to have on hand. It crosses that bridge between the weather extremes, and it pairs wonderfully with fish and seafood, as well as standing up to chicken and pork. I just so happened to have a sample of this gem on hand this weekend... wish you had it too! 

Presqu’ile Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2019

Winery Price $44

I’ve only got one shot at it for this price… so let's get aggressive, shall we? 

Sale $19.99 per bottle - Beats Best US Price Online

Buy six or more pay $18.49 - Crushing the US Best Price, again, and saving 58% off the winery price!!!

No review - Previous Vintages have been 90-93 pts Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and pts Vinous!

Keep an eye on this winery… mark my words… Located in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile Vineyard was only just founded in 2007 by Matt Murphy and his family, but hit the ground running with a debut 92 pt Pinot in 2009. In just 10 years they have gone from strength to strength with their Pinots garnering as high as 94 pts in Vinous and 95 pts in Wine Enthusiast. Obviously, they are still trying to get the word out – hence the blowout pricing here – but they are a rising star in California!

For me, I find the balance of this wine particularly compelling. Since the vineyard was started from scratch, the vines were planted to take maximum advantage of the Santa Maria Valley’s cool maritime breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The result is a long growing season that puts emphasis on slow ripening. As a result, the winery can achieve intensity and complexity without high alcohol. Grab this fast…

This is everything you want in a cooler climate Pinot Noir from California... enticing aromas of Earl Grey tea, dried cherries and wild berries give way to a medium-bodied Pinot loaded with concentrated, yet elegant and nuanced, fruit flavors. There is a hint of spice on the finish, a hallmark of Pinot from this region - not from oak, since this wine is aged in neutral oak barrels. At 13.6% alc, it is weighty enough... but not too powerful... and not too light... it's just right! Allrighty, Goldilocks, you ready? 

Or reply. Arrives Friday afternoon.