This cool mountain vineyard was grafted in 2007 to 5 different clones of pinot that produce lovely fruit for Bill's elegant pinot noir. Saver this wine with salmon, coq au vin, or Thanksgiving turkey.

There is a bit of Pinot Noir history in the Sierra Foothills at cool, high elevation sites. Boissevain Vineyard now called Vinehill in Georgetown has grown some Pinot Noir for over 25 years. I believe a wine from that site once one a Gold Medal at the California State Fair. The Duarte-Georgetown planting is in Boomer series, gravelly loam at 2,500 feet, and was established in 2007, when existing vines on a North-facing slope were grafted to five different Pinot Noir clones: #5 from Pommard, #91 from Pommard, #37 from Mount Eden, #38 from Dijon (#459) via OSU, and #18 Gamay Beaujolais selection (Viticulture l160 V15).

Burgundian in color; not over-extracted; strawberry-cinnamon scents with herbs and spices, it has wonderful freshness and persistence on the palate. Bright and lively with nice structure, silky texture, and balanced tannins. This wine reminds us of some of the more delicate Pinot Noir wines and vintages from Alsace, Germany, Austria, and Burgundy.