Pinot Noir from 2023, June 13, 2026

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The ranking results are as follows (all wines are from 2023)
#1 – Bricoleur, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 79 points
#2 – Pisoni Pinot Noir Estate, Santa Lucia Highlands, 89 points
#3 – Blue Farm Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Petaluma, Gap91 points
#4 – Summer Dream Pinot Noir, Stargazing, 102 points
#5 – Red Stitch Pinot Noir, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 111 points
#6 – Fulcrum Pinot Noir, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, Carneros, 112 points
#7 – Brewer Clifton Pinot Noir, Machado Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills, 120 points
#8 – Nid Tisse Pinot Noir, Radian Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills, 124 points

A truly remarkable tasting was held at the home of Diane Delucchi on Saturday. 12 superb Pinot Noirs from California (4 pre-taste, 8 to be rated) were sampled before dinner. John Henry warned us that the tasting would be difficult as the wines were all curated by Don Gillette.

A full dinner was provided after the tasting by Italian Colors Restaurant in Montclair. An enjoyable evening, indeed.

There’s a story here. On occasions when we have flown from Palm Springs to San Francisco for a 2-event weekend (e.g., a play at ACT and a Cellar Society tasting), we will need to buy wine for the tasting and maybe for dinner. JH discovered the Napa Valley Winery Exchange on Taylor Street near Geary. During repeated visits and conversations with co-manager Don Gillette, JH learned that Don has encyclopedic knowledge of California winemakers, and stays in touch with many of them to learn about small-lot releases of excellent wines. He’s probably in his late 60s and appears to really know his stuff. He writes a short flavor profile for each wine he sells.

Don believes that 2023 is the best vintage ever for California Pinot Noir … hence this tasting.

The plan is for Don to select the 8 wines for our blind tasting. JH will get back to him immediately after the tasting to buy a case of the winning Pinot(s) for a Repast in 2028 and/or 2029. Hopefully, cases will still be available. Napa Valley Winery Exchange deals in small-lot releases, and buys only a few cases. They can disappear fast.

Please bring 9 (nine) glasses. The 9^th is for the pre-tasting wines and water during the tasting.

Dinner. Diane has made arrangements with a caterer, who will provide a variety of dishes served buffet style.

RSVP to John Henry by text at 510-914-1911 or email at jhbeyer@comcast.net  with number of tasters, guests, and dinners. Starting June 1, 2026, guests will be accepted.

Schedule
5:30-6:00  Arrive at Diane’s. Park in her driveway or nearby on the street.
Pre-tasting wines selected by John Henry & Sue
6:30  Start the blind tasting and scoring the wines.
7:30  Conclude scoring, revealing, and discussion of the wines. Dinner.

Cost
Dinner, bread & cheese – $75
Wines – approx. $50 (depends on wines selected for the tasting)
Add $10 for all Guests, non-drinking members, a shared taste.

Looking forward to seeing you for a delightful evening.

Cheers🍷,
John Henry & Sue