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Redwood Vineyards Winemaker, Paul Huckaba, has a great passion for crafting food-friendly wines that he is proud to share with family and friends. "Wine that makes the heart glad," as Paul likes to say. Originally from Oregon's Willamette Valley, Paul is a classically trained chemist and has traveled the wine regions of France and Italy in order to develop an appreciation for traditional winemaking using a wide range of varietals. He has a degree in Chemistry from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and employs an analytical eye to winemaking while keeping a precise control throughout the process. His philosophy is that the wines he makes should combine the long traditions of Europe with the fruit-forward, easy drinking style of California. The award-winning wines of Redwood Vineyards are created with this in mind. For the 2008 Pinot Noir, a large percentage of the grapes were from the Lodi Appellation. Lodi is in California's Central Valley, but is a unique appellation in that it is influenced heavily by a large system of waterways of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. The "Delta", as it is known, keeps this region much cooler than the rest of Central Valley, so it allows for a different "terroir" than what you would find in the hotter regions. These grapes are more highly prized than other Central Valley grapes and typically command a higher price. Pinot Noir is a noble red grape. It is typically medium-bodied and dry with an aroma ranging from peppermint and spice to cherry, rose petals, violets and truffles. It is enjoyed for its smooth, silky texture and transforms with bottle age into one of the greatest wines produced on earth. It is one of the most difficult grapes to grow and most difficult wines to make. Lukewarm public acceptance, except for the top Burgundies from France, kept its price below Cabernet. Since the early '90s, however, dramatic improvements in quality from California's top producers as well as a strong interest in lighter, more approachable wines to go with lighter foods has seen this grape gain a considerable foothold in the red wine arena. If you're not a Pinot lover yet, this wine may do the trick. February 2010 Classic Series Newsletter (.pdf)
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