Waxwing Wines

This is the second vintage of the Waxwing Santa Cruz Pinot Noir to grace our site! If you missed the 2014, this is your chance at Winemaker Scott Sisemore’s latest vintage. The 2016 is a tiny two-barrel selection of the most deeply textured, rich barrels of Lester Pinot from the Waxwing cellar. Grapes for this wine come from prime real estate – the sustainably grown Lester Family Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains – where no herbicides are ever used.

A translucent pale ruby with glints of blood orange, this Pinot Noir showcases a depth of complexity at first swirl, with tart cherry and candied cranberry intermingling with a fresh, wet slate minerality and hints of vanilla and nutmeg spice. Integrated red fruits and very soft, smoky oak follow through on the mouthwatering, lingering finish.

Duck, squab, veal and pork make great go-to choices for Pinot Noir, as does a classic, crisp-skinned roasted chicken. Complement the Waxwing Lester Vineyard Pinot Noir’s savory side with dishes including mushrooms and root vegetables. The wine’s rich cherry flavors will pair well with dishes that incorporate dried fruit (as a complementary pairing) or fresh herbs (as a contrasting pairing).