It’s officially Spring and at least in California there are flowers in bloom and wonderful sunny weather to match the season. So what could be better than a respite outside either in your backyard or picknicking at the park or winery grounds with a bottle of Pinot – not to heavy and not to light.  Wine Sommelier Courtney Cochran suggests Factories and Smoke Pinot Noir (only $28) that offers “a bit of sweet clove, bright cherry and pomegranate, a kiss of earth and a touch of forest floor along with a smoooooth, soft texture that’s perfect for early spring sipping”

Read more about Courtney’s recommendation here.

For anyone that uses YouTube, you know that there is more to it than just a bunch of folks posting ridiculous videos of themselves, kids, or pets.  In fact, if one were to do a search on Pinot Noir, you find there are 883 (and growing) results for this increasingly popular varietal.

One such video post is is from Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, where he tastes and reviews 4 different Pinot Noirs:

• 2005 Stringtown Pinot Noir – Oregon – $15-$20
• 2005 Bookster Pinot Noir – Sonoma Coast, CA – $29-$34
• 2004 Amisfield Pinot Noir – Central Otago, New Zealand – $32-$37
• 2004 Savigny Les Beaune Les Narbantons – Burgundy, France – $38-$43

Check out the video!

Santa Cruz Wine Country is holding their annual Pinot Paradise event March 28 -29, 2009.  It’s boasted to be a a must attend event for a true Pinot Noir Lover featuring over 30 local wineries pouring some of their best from vintages 2004 to 2007.  If you’re on this site, I’m assuming you’re in that category, so here are the details on the event:

March 28, 2009

Pinot Pathways
Take a self-guided tour of wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains and taste wine directly from the barrel.  You might even get the opportunity to taste some older vintages for a true vertical tasting experience. Tickets are only $25 and lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tip: Bring your own personal toothbrush if you don’t want to flash people a dark purple, near black smile after you’ve had several barrel samples!)

March 29, 2009

Grand Cruz Tasting
Featuring local wineries pouring Pinot exclusively grown and produced in the Santa Cruz Mountains along with food from a dozen local gourmet restaurants. There will also be a silent auction and raffle with local wines, artisan foods, arts & crafts, winery tours and exotic getaways. Tickets for this popular event are $55 in advance or $65 at the door. Or  be a VIP for the day and take a preliminary sub regional tour with the winemakers prior to the Grand Cruz tasting for an additional $20.  In addition, there is also what is called “Technical Sessions” that are also offered on the same day before the Grand Cruz tasting that offer in-depth seminars by experts who will discuss the sub-regions of the Santa Cruz Mountains and their distinct flavor profiles.

All tickets can be purchased online here.

If you’re looking for some a new Pinot Noir to taste, why not try these three:

2007 Hirsch Vineyards Bohan Dillon Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($30)
Recently pegged by the San Francisco Chronicle as their wine of the week to food and wine newsletter subscribers. It’s said to “start with rosewater, brown spice and roasted cherry and then does a black flip: flavors of tangy raspberry, fresh strawberry and a firm mineral underpinning appear, giving it juicy distinction and nuance”. Sounds delicious (almost like they are describing something other than wine) and definitely on my list to try.

2007 Migration Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($34)
According to Sommelier Courtney Cochran, this Pinot Noir is a great buy and “stellar stand-in” for the Pinot Noir that was served at President Obama’s inauguration lunch produced by the same winery – Goldeneye – which cost $55. I’m all for great tasting wines at cheaper prices, especially since I have yet to benefit from the so called stimulus package.

2006 Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir ($38) or 2005 Pinot Noir, Vadasz Vineyard ($32)
For 150 years Gun Bun has been making excellent wines. Their Pinot Noirs are no exception and at fair prices. However, it is hard to find their wines unless you visit the winery or purchase directly online!