Category: Pinot Noir

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: Sonoma Coast

Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes: This pinot noir starts out showing plenty of fruit, but as you give it some time, the layers of spice, earth notes and beautifully balanced acidity unfold on the palate. This classic Sonoma Coast pinot continues to evolve through the mid-palate as the acidity builds and the spice and fresh fruit notes fade perfectly.

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands

Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: A lively pinot noir that delivers expressive aromas and flavors of cranberry, raspberry, vanilla and light notes of cedar. This wine shines with its richly textured mouthfeel that is skillfully balanced by the structured finish.

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: Distinctively fragrant, with a smooth profile and a pleasant texture. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, cola, tea and delicate notes of vanilla. The cleansing, pure finish is focused and deliciously velvety.

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: Sta Rita Hills

Retail Price: $38

Tasting Notes: Not an alcohol bomb. Medium-bodied, and balanced acidity that makes it very food-friendly. Lush red berries and sweet, inviting aroma. Can be cellared for another three years.

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: North Coast

Retail Price: $32

Tasting Notes: This lushly textured pinot noir displays restrained nuances of mocha in the nose and palette, followed by rich flavors of dark-chocolate-covered cherries, cassis, earth and spice. Wispy hints of wood smoke appear in the lengthy finish.

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: Central Coast

Retail Price: $23

Tasting Notes: From a cool-weather region, not far from Monterey Bay, this pinot noir shows plenty of elegance, with supple tannins and supporting acidity. Enough structure to stand up to a wide variety of foods, the subtly spicy red and black fruits on the palate lead to a long and well-balanced finish.

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: Carneros

Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard pinot noir, from the one of the coolest regions in Napa Valley, shows great color, with a spicy combination of red and black fruit. Plenty of structure and a balanced finish display its pedigree.