Question 2) I am a Red from many countries. I thrive in hot climates by day and cool in the evening. I am very difficult to grow and was popularized by the movie Sideways. Who am I?

The correct answer is PINOT NOIR. The accuracy of your responses was almost 100% (one incorrect). The movie clue was the clincher to this question. Sideways, 2004 movie, is a comedy about two “wine geeks” traveling in California wine country who “trash” Merlot  and probably contributed to Merlot’s dwindling market share. But the movie also promoted Pinot Noir to “rock star” status and Pinot sales increased 16% in the months following the movie.

I recently blogged about French burgundy, California and Oregon Pinot Noir in this post https://bobthewineguy.net/2015/11/01/b-day-lineup/.

The 2012 harvest was an exceptional vintage for Oregon Pinot Noir. I recently tasted these two Oregon wines – the Lemelson Pinot was outstanding.

LEMELSON ‘Thea’s Selection’ Pinot Noir 2012
Willamette Valley, Oregon $30
Burgundian style Pinot Noir blended from estate’s organic certified vineyards, comparable to more expensive French burgundies, great value at $30.

ADELSHEIM Pinot Noir 2012  
Willamette Valley, Oregon $26
Wine Spectator 92 rating “Taut, tart and surprisingly generous, blooming with juicy, cranberry-accented blackberry, cherry and spice flavors that linger easily on the sharp-edged finish. Best from 2016 through 2020.”