CA Pinot Noir

Did anyone see the NY Times article on CA wineries closing down and ripping out their vines? It seems that Pinot Noir is taking a beating. Well, let's do our part to save CA Pinots! We will have 4 BIG CA Pinot Noirs and we will be dinning at Bobby Van's on Park.

We will return to perennial favorite, Bobby Van's on Park for a 7pm reservation.

Here is a link to their menu...
Bobby Van's on Park Menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

** The cost of this event is $59 and is for the cost of the wines only.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry! Meetup+ members are exempt from this charge.

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a Zero corkage fee. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines :

2023 Ridge White Alder Springs Vineyard ($40) - 82% Falanghina, 18% Vermentino. 13% Alcohol. Winemaker notes: Nose of peach and white pepper. Present acidity with notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and minerality.

2021 Littorai Pinot Noir Les Larmes ($70) - CT 91.9, WS 93 points for the 2020 vintage, "A bright, fresh, racy version, showing pomegranate and blood orange fruit laced with a mouthwatering mineral edge, with light savory and sanguine hints adding range on the finish. Might be on the skinny side for some, but this is balanced and persistent. There's no rush either. Best from 2023 through 2030" NOTE: WA rated 11 of their 2021 Pinots, but NOT this one!

2021 Martinelli Pinot Noir Skyridge Ranch ($90) - WA 93 points, "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sky Ridge Vineyard is new in the Martinelli portfolio and comes from Swan and Calera vines planted in 2016. It has layered scents of red cherries, cranberries, Earl Grey tea, mushroom and tobacco. The medium-bodied palate is supple and energetic with surprisingly concentrated, earth-laced fruit, and it has a very long, spicy finish. Just 99 cases were made. (drink 2025-2035)"

2019 Occidental Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge ($150) - WA 98, JD 97 points, "This is the first vintage produced as a vineyard designated wine for this steep hillside site, having previously been an addition to the Freestone-Occidental blend. The 2019 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard jumps from the glass with red cherry and plum, fresh roses, and dried herbs. The palate is forward, with poppy red fruit of pomegranate, raspberry seed, and baking spice. It has a bit more of an angular structure, with tension and nerve, and will benefit from 2-3 years of cellar aging before drinking over the following 10 or more years"

2019 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard ($90) - WS & JD 94, WA 95 points, "The 2019 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard comes from all 11 clones grown on the Wayfarer property. Medium ruby-purple in color, it has broody aromas of blood orange, iron, rhubarb and cranberry sauce with notes of dusty earth and dried herbs. The palate manages incredible intensity, lift and expansive flavor layers with a very long, juicy finish that continually calls you in for another sip! (drink 2021-2030)"