2017 Lagom In Toto Pinot Noir

Torrin is the label started in 2005 by Scott Hawley, winemaker at Law Estates in Paso Robles. Hawley owns the 30-acre Torrin Vineyard and grows Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Mourvedre. The several wines are made in very limited amounts of fewer than 300 cases each, and available generally only by mailing list. Reviews of the wines have been extremely complimentary, with some wines rated in the high 90s. Wine Advocate has written that “with his first release in 2006, owner/winemaker Scott Hawley has quickly risen to the top tier of producers in California…I’m often asked who is the next up-and-coming estate in Paso. Torrin is always in the response.”

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

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.