Sonoma Valley, just a mountain range to the left of Napa, is a bit quieter and less showy than it's neighbor, but the wines are typically excellent. The wine tasting experience is often a bit less hectic.

These three 100% Pinot Noir* wines fine examples of the grace and dignity of California Pinot Noir. You'll typically find a fair amount of fruit, favoring cherry, balanced out with some pleasant acidity. Pinot Noir is not as big and bold as Cabernet Sauvignon, but it isn't meant to be. If you are carnivore, serve this with lamb, duck or boeuf bourguignon. If you are vegan/vegetarian, a lovely braised mushroom. And if none of those things are around, aerosol cheese w/bacon. We are in a pandemic after all; who is to judge.

2018 Raeburn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2018 Macphail The Flyer Sonoma Coast
2017 Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Winning bidder must be 21 years of age or older to claim this prize. Sorry kids.

*You'd think that is always the case, but no! In Irancy, an AOC in Burgunday, they add a little bit of a grape called Caesar. In Beaujeaulais, they sometimes blend it with Gamay. It's usually plonk for the locals, but it makes it's escape to other places sometimes.