Pinot noir is having a loooooong moment, and we are here to show you why with this trio of red, red wines all made with basically the same grape but grown in completely different terroir. First: a complex burst of rich red fruit flavor and bright acidity. Pence Winery in Santa Barbara County is focused on terroir, and their Pinot reflects the region’s limestone-rich soil in notes of red cherry and raspberry, and flavors of red plum and cola. Next: a 2011 packed with ripe berry flavor. Out in Oregon, Bethel Heights makes a low-alcohol (just 12. 2%), totally drinkable Pinot full of fresh and bright aromas of black cherry and brown sugar, plus a mild hit of tannin that makes this one worth aging a few more years. Last (but certainly not least): Bench, a Sonoma County Pinot Noir maker whose mission is to bring Pinot back to earth with “making artisanal wines accessible to all.” Their most popular label greets the nose with eucalyptus and currants, while black plums, sassafras and soft-as-silk tannins are a major treat for the Mouth. Energetic yet subtle. All three are great displays of nature working in tandem with nurture. This trio makes a great gift for budding oenophiles, or anyone who really likes to wine. This curated box: Pinot Noir Estate Black Label made by Bethel Heights Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir made by Bench Pence Pinot Noir – Pence 2016 Pinot Noir
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