Choreographed By Passive Aggression
TASTING NOTES: “The Bennett Valley AVA is a mountain valley that was once part of the Sonoma Valley. It became a separate AVA because of its unique terroir. Sheltered from the shadow of Sonoma Mountain, it enjoys greater coastal influence, resulting in cooler mornings and milder summer temperatures. Pinot Noir thrives in this climate. Randi Grindstaff’s Next Step Vineyard is planted on gently rolling hills with rich volcanic soils. The vines are ancient Burgundy clones, carefully selected for their exceptional expression of this terroir. The result is a delicate, elegant Pinot Noir that pairs beautifully with everything from pasta to steak and even Thanksgiving dinner.” (AbV 12.2%)
VARIETALS: 100% Pinot Noir
BARRELS: Not specified.
PAIRS WITH: everything from pasta to steak and even Thanksgiving dinner
THAT REMINDS ME OF: Next Step Vineyard
Next Step Vineyard — the vineyard this wine comes from — happens to share its name with a real, moderately deranged Canadian television show. The Next Step ran from 2013 to 2020, filmed in mockumentary style, entirely about a fictional competitive dance studio in Toronto, and somehow got distributed in over 100 countries. No dialogue is spoken directly to camera; it’s shot like a nature documentary about teenagers who communicate primarily through choreography and passive-aggressive hallway confrontations.
What gets me is the commitment to the bit. Real dancers, real routines, a straight face maintained across seven seasons and multiple spinoffs, all in service of stakes that amount to “will the studio win Regionals.” I have never watched a single episode and yet I now know an unreasonable amount about it, which is its own small victory for a show whose entire premise is other people’s next move.
PRODUCER PODCAST: Deerfield Ranch Winery Pinot Noir (0:40)
ICYMI, you have two choices:
Worried Summer heat might get to your wine before your wine gets to you? Order from the sale linked here, and we’ll get it to you at a cooler time of year !
Want it shipped now? Every package during the summer will have protected temp control ground shipping for much of the country that takes longer but will ensure safe delivery. Expect up to two weeks for delivery. Now through the September 12th offer.
