Toast & Honey Pinot Noir 2022/23, California

This exclusive Pinot Noir is produced by fourth-generation winemakers with links to some of the best grapes in Lodi, California. Although it’s best known for its Zinfandel, Lodi’s Mediterranean climate produces Pinot Noir with the perfect balance of freshness and ripe, expressive flavours. And none showcase this better than Toast & Honey wines. In their vineyards, care for the vines carries over to the surrounding environment. With sustainability at the heart of everything they do, they promote cover crops and biodiversity – all helping to reduce evaporation, improve soil quality and create a healthy habitat for insects, bugs and, of course, bees. It’s classically silky Californian Pinot with juicy flavours of raspberry, cherry and berry compote, plus complex notes of baking spice from careful use of oak. Its balance of ripe-fruit flavour and oaky hints make it a perfect pairing for sautéed mushrooms or chargrilled meats.