Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Wine folks often joke that Pinot Blanc in California is a weak alternative to Chardonnay. The 2015 Robert Sinskey Pinot Blanc stands tall on its own. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bright, attractive, and pleasing on the palate. Pair its charming aromas and flavors of Asian pear with a chicken salad with romaine lettuce and pickled scallions. (Tasted: May 24, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
Approachable, aromatic and pleasantly plush on the palate, Pinot Blanc is a white grape variety most associated with the Alsace region of France. Although its heritage is Burgundian, today it is rarely found there and instead thrives throughout central Europe, namely Germany and Austria, where it is known as Weissburgunder and Alto Adige where it is called Pinot Bianco. Interestingly, Pinot Blanc was born out of a mutation of the pink-skinned Pinot Gris. Somm Secret—Chardonnay fans looking to try something new would benefit from giving Pinot Blanc a try.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.