2003 Belle Glos Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir

Belle Glos in Sonoma was named for Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, a co-founder of Caymus and grandmother of Joseph Wagner, winemaker and co-owner of Belle Glos winery. The estate sources grapes from the Russian River Valley, Santa Maria Valley, the Santa Lucia Highlands and elsewhere. Belle Glos specializes in Pinot Noir.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

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.