2013 Talisman Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir

Eighty-one cases of Talisman 2001 Carneros Pinot Noir "Kathy's Cuvée" is dedicated to the memory of Kathy Polucha-Kessler, a friend of Scott and Marta Rich. Kathy died in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in British Columbia. Proceeds from this cuvée will benefit the Truckee Donner Land Trust for the construction of a bridge in Kathy's memory. The bridge will be one of the key links of the Donner Lake Rim Trail, a trail system connecting all of the major mountain peaks surrounding Donner Lake in the North Tahoe region of California. This is a project that was near and dear to Kathy's heart.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

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.