Pinot Noir is one of those “cool” grapes … not just because it’s a popular wine right now, but because it prefers cooler growing areas.
That’s why it does so well in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and California’s Anderson Valley, near the coast.
Todd Backman stopped at Handley Cellars in Philo (Anderson Valley) yesterday and found pinot noir vines carrying heavy clusters of dark grapes soon to be pressed to make Handley’s “flagship” wine. 
Anderson Valley – Patchy (10-50%)
