We’ve long been fans of our friend Sean Larkin’s Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, so we were delighted to get our hands on some of his Pinot from the lauded Hyde Vineyard. Scotland native Sean Larkin founded Larkin Napa Valley after a career working in the sheet metal industry in New Jersey. Despite his success in the field, Sean’s passion drove him to become a sommelier, ultimately leaving restaurants for a wine brokering job in Napa. As is often the case in this field, one thing led to another, and Sean was soon learning winemaking from some of his favorite winemakers.

Hyde Vineyard sits just at the cusp between Napa and Sonoma in the Carneros appellation. Cool fog rolls off the bay, landing in the area and making this a prime site for Pinot Noir. The Larkin is rich and giving, while still retaining refreshing tartness on the finish.