A prime Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast.
While Pinot Noir is just one of more than thousand different grapes that rotate through the wine world, it can wear different hats. It can be deep, rich and moody or delicate and soft, depending on where it’s grown and how it’s treated in the winemaking process.
This particular expression, made by Waypoint on California’s Sonoma Coast and aged for 12 months in 51% new French oak, leans towards the fresher side of the spectrum. Notes of cherry, cranberry, and raspberry are vibrant and fresh, but lead the way into more complex notes of bay leaf, white pepper, and cardamom. All of that is balanced out by a soft structure and a supple finish. $60
Kate Dingwall is a WSET-trained sommelier and spirits writer. Her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Eater, Forbes.com, and Food & Wine, and she pours wine at one of Canada’s top restaurants.