2013 Kesner Gate Pinot Noir

Kesner Wines was founded in 2002 by Jason Kesner, who managed Hudson Vineyards in Carneros before trying his hand at winemaking. He started with one barrel of Chardonnay and by the following vintage his Chardonnay was being recommended at The French Laundry, one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious restaurants. In 2008 he became assistant winemaker at Kistler Vineyards while continuing to make his own limited production wines from grapes sourced from the Sonoma Coast, the Russian River Valley, Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Kesner focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but has also made Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache and Zinfandel blends. The wines are available primarily by mailing list.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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.