Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /home/twoway/public_html/food/wineday/1999/wd1099/wd101899.html on line 28
Warning: include(http://globalgourmet.com/includes/banner468.html) [function.include]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/twoway/public_html/food/wineday/1999/wd1099/wd101899.html on line 28
Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'http://globalgourmet.com/includes/banner468.html' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/twoway/public_html/food/wineday/1999/wd1099/wd101899.html on line 28
by Fred McMillin
for October 18, 1999
Picking a Pinot
Prologue
My dentist: "Anyone can pick out a good Pinot Noir that's expensive. Tell me the name of a good Pinot Noir that's INEXPENSIVE!"
The Answer
These are the credentials of the wine I gave him.
- 100% Russian River Pinot Noir—Unquestionably, the Russian River Valley produces some of the best Pinots in the New World.
- A Fine Price— I checked the last 15 tastings and only eight Pinots were rated higher than today's wine. The average price of those eight wines was $23. Our wine is TEN DOLLARS less...$13! Here it is, the first Pinot Noir ever produced by Barefoot Cellars.
The Wine
1997 100% Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Reserve
Barefoot Cellars, Santa Rosa, CA
Appellation—Sonoma County
HURRY—Production was less than 800 cases.
Winemaker Jennifer Wall—"Berry and plum flavors...a smooth, silky finish."
My Panel—Good value. If you drink Pinots under $15, you must try this one.
Rating—RECOMMENDED
Contact—Office of Marketing Manager Adrienne Barner, (707) 524-8000, FAX (707) 524-8001
Price—$13
Postscript
What California county grows the most Pinot? SONOMA, with nearly one-third of the state's total. (Source: Charles Sullivan's Wine Companion)
|
About the Writer
Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers. |
WineDay Annex
More articles by
Fred McMillin
W
elcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend.
10/15/99
Winery of the Week
The Draper Caper
10/14/99
A Big Blanc
10/13/99
Beautiful Lady,
Beautiful Wine
10/12/99
"The Admiral"
and the Vine
10/11/99
A Red-Hot Long Shot
10/08/99
Winery of the Week
Euphoria
10/07/99
For Golfers Only
10/06/99
The Oldest Cookbook
10/05/99
Tough Love
10/04/99
Our Wine World Series
10/01/99
Winery of the Week
From Goat to Oak
January WineDays
February WineDays
March WineDays
April WineDays
May WineDays
June WineDays
Summer Vacation
September WineDays
Copyright © 1999—the electronic Gourmet Guide, Inc. All rights reserved.