Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Pinot Blanc 2007

The 2007 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc is another outstanding effort from this winery. Richly robed and dominated by tropical fruit aromas, the 2007 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc offers a cornucopia of scents and plush, ripe flavors. Guava, pineapple, and hints of toasted coconut dominate the bouquet and savor of this pure, fruit-driven Pinot Blanc. Reflecting the coastal climate of southern Sonoma County and its roots in the region's deep alluvial soil, the 2007 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc epitomizes the exuberant, ripe Sonoma-style of California winemaking that is now imitated the world over. Gaining depth, flavor, and length as it breathes, each sip of this luscious, dry, full-throttle white wine demonstrates why Pinot Blanc is a premium varietal that deserves greater recognition, especially in California, where it preserves its natural acidity and vibrancy. Consequently, this Valley of the Moon offering possesses all the ripe, racy sensuality of the varietal. Moreover, it is balanced by a delicate nuance of French oak, resulting in a cachet of spice that typifies the finest examples of California Pinot Blanc. We suggest serving this wine well chilled, at least initially. Afterwards, it can slowly evolve to 50°-55°F for a whole new taste sensation.

Like most well-made Pinot Blancs, the 2007 Valley of the Moon has a natural affinity for Asian food, fusion dishes, and a host of eclectic gastronomic offerings. Moreover, we suggest that you pair this wine with typically hard-to-match dishes and enjoy the result. Some of our favorite pairings include a lump crab roll served with Chinese vegetables and a sesame dipping sauce; a mixed green salad that is topped with caramelized walnuts, poached pears, tomatoes, crushed blue cheese, and a Champagne vinaigrette; and Bhel Puri, an Indian dish which consists of a mélange of puffed rice, dried vermicelli, onions, and fresh coriander. Other worthwhile accompaniments are grilled or roasted pork tenderloins with fruit chutneys and Vietnamese noodles. We also recommend fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, served with either a sweet and sour sauce or a mild peanut and garlic sauce. Salads and soft cheeses also complement the 2007 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc and will often accentuate the wine's extroverted personality and wealth of flavors. Enjoy!

Valley of the Moon is the most historic terroir in Sonoma County as well as one of California's viticutural icons. Haunted by history and romance, the Sonoma Valley was called "Valley of the Moon" by the Native Americans who inhabited the area because, as the moon ascended in the evening sky, it appeared to rise, again and again, over the peaks and glens of the Mayacamas mountain range. Thus, the moon in all its phases is the symbol for Valley of the Moon Winery and Vineyards, which are located in the very heart of Sonoma Valley. The etched design on the bottle of each Valley of the Moon wine depicts the lunar phases surrounded by a "cosmos" of white dots, thereby portraying the expression of moonlight as the reflected light of the sun. The land on which the Valley of the Moon Winery and Vineyards is located has an illustrious past. Once, it was part of the vast 48,000-acre Agua Caliente Land Grant owned by the legendary statesman General MarianoVallejo, the 19th century Mexican governor of California. After California became part of the United States, the property changed owners several times before 1863, when the "Stone Tract" portion of the property was conveyed to Mr. George Whitman. According to the best records, Mr. Whitman was the first owner to grow wine grapes on the land. He also built a winery there and by 1876 his enterprise was a hugely successful one, annually producing 50,000 gallons of wine and at least 2,000 gallons of brandy. Later in the 19th and early 20th centuries a succession of owners would take possession of this illustrious property, including George Hearst, the father of the renowned newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Today, Valley of the Moon is part of Heck Estates, one of the most respected names in Sonoma County. Valley of the Moon produces traditional red and white varietals. It bottles outstanding Zinfandel from a vineyard planted in the 1940s as well as excellent Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera, and a Meritage offering called Cuvee de la Luna. In addition, Valley of the Moon fashions benchmark Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. At Valley of the Moon Winery, all estate bottled wines are produced from organic grapes, and sulfite usage is minimal. No other preservatives are employed, resulting in healthy, natural-tasting wines.