Beau Vigne, Starscape Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, 2022

Founded in 2002 by Ed and Trish Snider, Beau Vigne (French for "Beautiful Vineyard") began as a small boutique project in Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak. The brand quickly gained "cult" status, largely due to high praise from Robert Parker, who frequently called it one of his favourite wineries. In 2019, the brand was purchased by Charles Bartlett, who brought in renowned winemaker Julien Fayard. Fayard, whose pedigree includes stints at Château Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte, has transitioned the winery’s style toward a balance of California power and French finesse. While famous for Cabernet, the Starscape label marks their expansion into high-tier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. This wine is 100% Pinot Noir and aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, emphasizing a lightly oaked profile that supports rather than masks the fruit. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of Bing cherry and pomegranate, laced with warming baking spices and flinty minerality. On the palate, vibrant red fruit gives way to a sophisticated, savoury finish of black truffle, forest floor, and a touch of Mexican mocha. Pair this Pinot with cedar-planked salmon, roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction, or wild mushroom risotto.