Jonathan Newman:  "This outstanding small-production Pinot Noir is the latest project of winemaker Bruce Regalia, who spent seven vintages as founding winemaker for Goldeneye in Anderson Valley. Regalia made this wine with fruit from two vineyards: the well-known Las Brisas vineyard in Los Carneros, and a vineyard off Vine Hill Road in Russian River Valley. He aged the wine in French oak barrels for eight months and gave it an additional year of bottle age to fully integrate.

This is an elegant, sophisticated Pinot with well-balanced flavors of raspberry and bing cherry and notes of milk chocolate, violet, mint and blueberry."

Winery:  "The Sonoma Coast is known for its cool evenings, foggy mornings and warm, breezy afternoons.  This appellation has become the rising star of Sonoma County for producing high-quality Pinot Noir.  The 2006 harvest was one that blessed us with slow, even ripening of the fruit.  The resulting wine shows ripeness with nicely balanced acidity - perfectly expressive of the Sonoma Coast terroir."

Wired For Wine:  The core belief at this boutique winery is that "there are few things that bring more pleasure to life than family, good friends, excellent food and fantastic wine!"  What a great mindset as we get closer to Thanksgiving.

This wine has so many great pairing options, but with the cooler air of Fall,  we're leaning towards those which make use of the oven.  Roast turkey, duck or chicken sound like just the ticket, and will mingle beautifully with the delicious, rich notes of fruit in the J. Mauceri.  Roast them in the oven to dispel the chill in the air, and enjoy the anticipation as the aromas build.   If you are lucky enough to be in gentler climes, pork loin, salmon or Ahi tuna done on the grill are some other great options.    For the most part, we've found that mushrooms haven't met a Pinot they don't like.  One of our favorites to nibble on with a glass of Pinot are crostini with mushrooms, prosciutto and blue cheese.  (Click here for recipe).   You won't be disappointed....

Size:  750 ml
Varietal:  100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging:  8 months in French oak
Alcohol:  13.9%
Vintage:  2006
Region:  Sonoma Coast, California