*2017 Spring Street Winery Pinot Noir, Monterey

The color of this Burgundian inspired fine Pinot Noir is medium garnet and aged in 2 year old French Oak barrels for 18 months on its natural lees with no racking.

This wine is from a single vineyard (Arroyo Loma) Pinot Noir grown by veteran Central Coast grape grower Steve McIntyre and is comprised of three Dijon Clones: 115, 667 and Pomard 4. The vineyard is sustainable and farmed organically, but not certified. This wine was fermented in opentop fermenters and received a 72 hour cold soak period followed by gentle 30 minute pump-overs, three times daily. The wine was finished in 2 year old Francois Frerre burgundy barrels for a period of 18 months.

My favorite accompaniment to Pinot Noir is roasted Duck Breast cooked medium rare and served with French lentils. It works well with a classic Toulouse Style French Cassoulet with a whole duck leg confit cooked in its own bowl with cannellini beans, pork shoulder and finished topped with bread crumbs prior to 2 hours in the oven. On the lighter side it’s nice with seared tuna, sushi nigiri (especially Unagi) and pairs well with Impossible Burgers. But the best way to enjoy a fine Pinot Noir is on a Friday night with good friends and lots of laughter.