This is pretty cool and happening stuff.  While Pinot Noir grapes have been pressed and used forever as part of sparkling wines and blends, it’s rare to find white versions as still wine.

This is the wine that won winemaker Lisa Howard the gold at the 2019 Women’s International Wine Competition.

When I was in Suisun (‘Soo-Soon’) Valley AVA recently, I had the opportunity to watch Lisa and husband Cliff press the Pinot Noir that had been harvested that morning for the 2023 version (picture left).  They also graciously allowed me to ‘help’ them the next day rack their 2023 Albariño (kind folks, they could have finished faster without me, picture right).

Suisun Valley AVA is the second oldest wine region in the USA to neighbouring Napa Valley.  Napa is renowned for its high prices and US$80/per person ++ tasting fees, but if you want authenticity and down-to-earth experiences, give Suisun a try.  Do it soon though, before the big, commercial wineries move in and buy up all the vineyards and land (already happening and coming soon, I fear).

The outdoor tasting garden at Tolenas is at the side of Lisa’s childhood home.  She and Cliff farm the vineyards with her father who started the whole operation – and is still working making wine and farming grapes.  Mary, their Tasting room manager, knows the wines inside and out.

When you go, don’t pass up the Eclipse – named for the Eclipse of 2017 when Lisa dreamt up the concept for this award-winning wine.

Eyes – delicate onion skin
Nose – white flower, nectarine and red currant
Palate – white peach and nectarine are layered over the herbaceous palate
Drink now and enjoy while it’s fresh, don’t hold.

This wine was outstanding paired with rice paper salad rolls and spicy peanut sauce at the local eatery in Fairfield, Two60.