2016 Ledson Grove Vineyard Pinot Noir

Ledson Winery & Vineyards in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley, was founded in 1989 when Steve Ledson bought property and planted 17 acres of Merlot. Ledson is the founder of a successful construction company, but his family roots are in California agriculture. He spent his youth working on the family’s Sonoma and Napa Valley dairy and orchard properties, and learned to enjoy wine made by neighboring winemakers. Ledson’s first commercial vintage was the 1994 Ledson Estate Merlot. Today the estate also grows grapes on 21 acres on Denmark Road in Sonoma, and on property in Mendocino County and Russian River Valley. Ledson produces some 70 wines annually from as many as 20 appellations. Besides making well-reviewed wines, Ledson Winery is known for the 16,000 square foot “castle” Steve Ledson built on the property. Designed to resemble the Norman gothic castles of northern France, it is a special events location for the winery.

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.