I first encountered white Pinot Noir when a Willamette Valley grower-producer told me he needed a white in his portfolio, and making a white Pinot was the easiest path to making that goal. The Eclipse Pinot Noir is not that. Rather, it is intentional and well-crafted to showcase characteristics of this great variety. This is 100% Pinot Noir from Suisan Valley in the North Coast AVA of Northern California.
This is an excellent white wine, savory with nice acidity, persistence, and is well-structured. It’s medium to full-bodied and will hold up to a variety of plates. We’re pairing it tonight with two quiches – smoked salmon and potato, and a broccoli mushroom quiche. The wine paired well with both. Kudos to winemaker Lisa, who took a flyer on making a white pinot, and with great effect.
Read Lisa Howard’s Wine Character Interview and White Pinot backstory.