44 and 6 bottle levels    $23 (member price $20)
100% Pinot Noir  13.5% ABV

It’s been awhile since we’ve featured a wine from Santa Lucia Highlands (SLH).  The AVA is just East of the Coastal Range from the glamorous Monterey Peninsula, and is on the Western slope of the fertile Salinas Valley.  Many moons ago, I lived in Monterey for a year, graduating from Monterey High School, and continue to be amazed at the beauty of the entire county, incliuding SLH.  The Underwater Grand Canyon of Monterey Bay helps drive afternoon winds howling down SLH, forcing the grapes to grow thick skins and making it the coolest wine growing region in Calfornia.  Matthew Fritz purchases fruit from friends in SLH, and produces the wine in Sonoma.  Juicy red raspberry, boysenberry, potpourri, iron-rich minerality on the finish.  Six months in French oak barrels (mostly neutral).

Food Pairing Suggestions:
This lively pinot pairs perfectly with cedar plank grilled salmon, fig balsamic glazed ham with crispy fingerlings, maple glazed chicken breast stuffed with caramelized onions and goat cheese, Italian sausage and Spring vegetable fritatta, and grilled rib eye steak drizzled with a sage browned butter sauce. This smooth red is also delightful with with creamy cheeses like Epoisses, Cabriflore, Port Salut and Saint Andre