Valerie’s Vineyard is a one-acre, single-vineyard, organically farmed Carneros Pinot Noir produced by a five-family-member partnership.

What I think I like best about Valerie's Vineyard (other than the wine) is the total and complete refusal of Michael and Valerie Coats (the prime movers behind this family project) be interested in anything other than growing the best pinot noir grapes they can. There is attention to the details—after all, they live next to the vineyard, so they are in it virtually every day—but NO attention to the trappings of wine country life. "We don't farm for pretty," as Michael told me when I met them both last summer in Carneros.

The 2006 shows inviting brambly red fruit and cola nut notes balanced by loamy earth and zesty acidity. Its food-friendly structure makes it an ideal partner with braises, roast salmon and grilled meats.

132 cases produced

GET IT AT

Bar Boulud

Blue Hill Restaurant 

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P.D. O'Hurley's @ West End