Pretty much the local favorite for Alsatian white wines and hand crafted Pinot Noir is Toulouse. These varietals flourish in Anderson Valley. If you don’t believe me or are simply curious what that means, follow the ducks on 128 and head to Toulouse. Their Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer will make you say GRRRRR.

The Toulouse tasting flight includes about 5 Pinot Noirs and then, boom, a Petite Sirah. If you get there soon, you can try their 2008 vintages, which have just a hint of smoke on their big dark cherry flavors due to Anderson Valley fires during that season. May not sound typical for the supple seductive grape, but it works! Imagine great color with a smoldering quality. Then, the Petite Sirah has that great blue color that could stain your teeth blue yet it has soft silky tannins with a long textured finish.