This impressive Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Sonoma counties. I found it beautifully balanced and far superior to the previous 2011 vintage, which was too ripe. It’s made by Joseph J. Wagner, a fifth-generation farmer whose grandfather founded Caymus in Napa Valley. The Wagners have farmed winegrapes in Napa since the 1880s. This delicious 2012 paired beautifully with a fried soft-shell crab and the delicate scallops we were having for dinner. The previous vintage would have overwhelmed fish. It’s a very good buy at Taste of the Valleys Pismo Beach at the bargain price of $18.99.
This article appears in Apr 25 – May 2, 2013.
