La Rochelle Winery, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Meunier 2012

Sometimes it’s not all about the power, though that notion may not sit well with many fans of New World, and particularly California, wines. Pinot Meunier is not often made as a stand-alone wine, and certainly not as a still table wine. It is one of the approved grape varieties in France’s Champagne region, and typically used in the production of sparkling wine here in the United States. Winemaker Tom Stutz is an old-hand at sparkling wine and has working with Meunier for years. In this vintage from Saralee’s Vineyard he has crafted a superbly delicate, suave Pinot Meuier that is intensely perfumed, intensely flavored and absolutely delicious.  Platinum award winner at 2014 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.