Francis Ford Coppola Winery Diamond Collection Pinot Noir 2021

Winemaker's Notes: The Monterey vineyards where our Pinot Noir grapes are grown offer ideal sun exposure, which ensures ripe fruit for us to make a rich, complex, fruit-driven wine. Seductive aromas of plum and spice lead to black cherry, currant, and strawberry flavors, a plush texture, and an elegant finish.

Although I don't drink too much red wine in the Summer, the other night I made spicy turkey burgers that were just dying to be paired with a lush, rich red. Since I'm a fan of Francis Ford Coppola Winery's sparkling wine, Sofia, I was excited to give another of his varietals, the 2009 Diamond Collection Pinot Noir, a try. The filmmaker's Diamond Collection features single varietal wines that are considered classically Californian. The grapes for the Pinot come from Monterey County. It's an excellently balanced Pinot that I thoroughly enjoyed. The wine has a deep red color with berry aromas and a hint of spice. It's smooth, easy to drink, and perfect for Summer's assortment of grilled fare.