The 2023 Sonoma Collection Pinot Noir has a back label that says exactly one thing: “Proudly farmed in Sonoma.” Hmm. No tasting notes, no poetic nonsense about sun-kissed vineyards or fog gently embracing the grapes. Just proudly farmed in Sonoma. I suppose this is acceptable. The grapes were apparently raised with pride, and now they are here to serve us. We do not need their life story. We need wine.
First glass…evaporated. Hey, it’s been hot outside. Second glass…much like the first. Very nice. Not too fruity, not too weak, and with decent puckeryishness for a Pinot Noir. Nothing fancy, nothing trying too hard. Just a pleasant, respectable Pinot that knows how to behave. You take sip, you nod, you say, “Yes, this is good.” Then you take another sip to make sure. It is still good. Very reassuring.
For dinner, I paired it with wings of mystery bird and a leftover slice of pizza with toppings of questionable origin. Smashing success. Salty crispy bird wings made beautiful music with the wine, which is more than I can say for the pizza which was well past it’s “best by” date. I am willing to forgive the lack of information on the back label because the wine itself provides sufficient evidence. At $8.99, this is one of the better pinots I have found. Going back for more, for sure—assuming the heat has not caused the entire supply to evaporate. 🍷
