Pinot Noir charms are decidedly sensual and transparent demanding much of both winegrower, winemaker and wine drinker. Part of the reason in the wide variation in Pinot Noir’s performance lies in its genetic make-up. It is a particular old vine variety, in all probability a selection from wild vines made by man at least two millennia ago. There is some evidence that Pinot Noir existed in Burgundy in the 4th century A.D.
California and Oregon turned their attention to producing world class Pinot Noirs in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s having met with great success.
A few of California’s top Pinot Noir producers: Goldeneye by Duckhorn Pinot Noir, Merry Edwards Pinot Noir, Bel Glos Pinot Noir, Miner Family Pinot Noir, and Talbott Vineyards Pinot Noir. Some of Oregon’s top Pinot Noir producers: Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir, Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir, Chehalem Pinot Noir, Archery Summit Pinot Noir, and Elk Cove Pinot Noir.
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