I have never been much for small talk. I crave deep and though provoking conversations, especially now that we are sheltered in place. This may explain my podcast addiction.

Recently, when my friend Kara stopped by for a social distancing visit, my prayers for real talk were answered.

“Pick a wine,” I offered “your choice.”

She settled on a lovely bottle of red blend from Portugal. We opened it, sipped and the wine was -nice, pleasant, easy. We barely reacted to it. Our conversation remained light, pleasant, easy.  The red blend lovely, but it was a small-talk -wine. We needed something that would take us deep into ourselves. “Let’s save this one tomorrow’s pizza night,” I decided. Now, which wine pairs with best with real-real talk?

Enter the 2017 Miner Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir. My Lord, this wine right here. The openness of the wine made space for us to put “I’m good – yea mom’s good-family is -good” chit chat aside and talk talk. Like for real real. If a wine is going to reveal itself so completely- shouldn’t we? Yes, and we did.

2017 Miner Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir is gentle, elegant, and cerebral. A spectacular balance of cherry, thyme, sage, and sprinkles of roasted cinnamon and nutmeg. A perfect companion for sea bass, pork belly, roasted root veggies, mushrooms with herbs de Provence and real talk. Worth every penny at $58!

The wine comes from St. Lucia Highlands, in western Monterey County (California). St. Lucia Highlands. The area is also known for exceptional chardonnay wines. There are some beautiful Syrah and Riesling wines being produces in the area. Garys’ vineyard

“Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands

Located inland from Monterey in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Garys’ Vineyard is widely recognized for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir in California. Named after partners Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, the vineyard was planted in 1996 using obtained budwood from a famed vineyard in Burgundy. https://minerwines.com/vineyard/garys-vineyard/

I had the opportunity to attend a virtual press tasting last month hosted by Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans and was completely blown away by the wines. Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans “The Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 50 growers and associate members across California dedicated to elevating the presence and

awareness of the region’s celebrated vineyards and wines.”  Learn more about the area and the wineries at https://www.santaluciahighlands.com/

I have several more bottles to explore and look forward to sharing my tasting notes with you. Sample bottle sent from @SLH