1 | Wine | Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, $10 to $20

"This elegant well-balanced wine offers aromas of red fruit and spice. On the palate, there are flavors of plum and cherry with oak nuances, and the finish is long and harmonious."

"Soft and silky, with intriguing floral and crushed pomegranate aromas, this medium bodied wine was aged for nine months in small, French oak barrels which added a hint of toasty vanilla and spice complexity. Ideal for current enjoyment, this Pinot noir will age nicely over the next two to four years."

"The 2011 vintage shows deeper color than usual, a hallmark of the vintage. Aromatically generous, there are new aromas to be discovered with each breath. Bright red cherry fruit and vanilla custard are immediately apparent, but darker, forest fruits linger around the edge. The palate is quite lush considering the bright acidity and robust structure. This is a wine that is drinking beautifully now but will reward anyone who puts it away for a few years."

"Ripe black raspberry and cherry aromas are brightened by white pepper and rose nuances. Juicy, penetrating dark berry flavors show a pleasing blend of richness and energy, with good back end cut. Closes on a spicy note, with lingering smoke and cracked pepper qualities."

"The 2010 "Riviera" Pinot Noir is light ruby in color, with a lovely nose of cherry, cranberry, blackberry, Asian spice, and gunpowder. The palate is rich and layered, with powerful flavors of black cherry, blackberry, sassafras and spice. The finish turns lighter with raspberry flavors lingering overtop of earthy, rustic tannins that will lengthen with time."

"The 2010 delivers more “Oriental Spice” in the nose and on the palate than past Pinot Noirs! It also has more acidity and less oak than past e?orts. he highlights are Maraschino and dark cherries followed by strawberries, mocha, vanilla and sandalwood. he ?nish is ?rm, tight and spicy with the underlying minerality we like to see in our Pinots."

"Bing cherry and Burgundy plum fill the aromas and flavors, layered with complex mineral, teaberry, cinnamon and vanilla nuances. Silky tannins structure the harmonious flavors, while toasted oak spices from new barrels weave through the layers of vineyard expression."