by Fred McMillin for February 20, 1997 That Picky Pinot The Pinot Noir grape evolved in cool Burgundy over 500 years ago. It never showed a liking for the warmer Rhone Valley to the south, or for other warmer regions, such as California's Livermore Valley. Then how does Wente make their Pinot from their large Livermore vineyards? Answer: they don't. Twenty years ago they planted Pinot in Monterey's cool Arroyo Seco district, southwest of the Livermore Valley. Their latest release is the '94 Reliz Creek Reserve Pinot Noir. It is full of wonderful fruit and spice flavors, yet gentle enough to enjoy with well-seasoned fowl or your favorite veal dish. Pinot may be picky, but it surely thinks its Reliz Creek home is cool. 1994 Reliz Creek Reserve Pinot Noir Appellation: Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, CA Wente (wen-tee) Vineyards, formerly Wente Brothers Livermore Valley, CA Contact: John Woolley, (510)447-3603 $15 Rating: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Postscript: THE BLACK SHEEP OF THE FAMILY. German-born Carl H. Wente and wife Barbara were blessed with three sons after the winery was founded in 1883. Sons Ernest and Herman took over day-to-day operations in the 1920's and the name was changed to Wente Bros. But what became of the third brother, Carl F. Wente? A black sheep, he preferred gold to grapes, and went on to become the president of the Bank of America! 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 and is Northern California Editor for American Wine on the Web. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers. Global Gourmet | FoodDay Copyright © 1997 the electronic Gourmet Guide, Inc. All rights reserved.

Welcome 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 Current WineDay January WineDays 02/19/97 This Is Dan Lee's Cup of Tea 02/18/97 The Grape Washington Loves 02/17/97 Bordeaux Down Under 02/14/97 Winery of the Week: The Chandon Cyclone 02/13/97 A Sublime Valentine, Born of Tragedy and Triumph 02/12/97 The Queen of Chardonnay 02/11/97 The Best of Barbera 02/10/97 A Short Port Report 02/07/97 Winery of the Week: Jekel's Rocks, Vines & Wines 02/06/97 A Grape for the Lake 02/05/97 Last Rites for Sulfites 02/04/97 From Assisi to Sonoma 02/03/97 A Zinfully Good Bargain