Pinot Noir

[wineguruchgo]

I would like to add to the Gallo discussion.

Like all "major" wineries they have many different levels of wine in their portfolio. Many of the wineries, under the umbrella, have signed a contract with Gallo (or Mondavi for that matter) for the distribution rights. The giants very often have nothing to do with the process. Only the national/global distribution of.

The Frei Brothers wines are wonderful, single vineyard wines. Which means that only grapes from that vineyard can be used. They cannot buy grapes from someone else. It is a crapshoot (due to Mother Nature) whether or not they will have a good year. Generally speaking, the best producers will have credible wines even in bad years. Generally single vineyard wines are more expensive than the others.

MacMurray Ranch Russian River Pinot Noir is one of the best, I believe, out of California. I have waited 4 months to bring it into our restaurants here in Chicago because the winery ran out of wine. That, my friends, is a good sign. It's pricey. Probably 20-25 per bottle. Interesting story behind it. Fred MacMurray, from My Three Sons fame, was an expert cattleman. In the 1950's he bought 1,500 acres in an unknown place called Sonoma County. Go figure!! Needless to say, his heirs are very weathly.

That is my tip of the day.