1 | Wine | Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, $20 to $50

"Our 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir opens with lovely, vibrant aromas of cherry pie and sassafras, supported by subtle earth tones and hints of rose petal and vanilla. Vibrant pomegranate and cranberry join in on the palate, with notes of black licorice, espresso bean, sweet pipe tobacco and cherry cola. With elegant structure, the juicy mid-palate leads to a lingering finish of sweet spice."

"Our 2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and blackberry. This wine has an earthy and robust character, which is framed by subtle hints of oak from French and American barrels. This wine showcases the extraordinary dark fruit flavors that result from the unique growing conditions of the Russian River Valley."

"Deep violet in color,this lush pinot noir carries expressive aromas of wild berries,rose petals and cola. The palate, silky and balanced, explodes with dark raspberry, plum, clove and cocoa. Ripe currant and blackberry harmonize over a long, toasty finish supported by round tannins."

"Deep ruby red color. Aromas of wild berries, savory dried herbs, and subtle earthiness lift elegantly from the glass. On the palate, flavors of Bing cherry, rhubarb, and pomegranate are framed by fine-grained tannins, earthy minerality, and bright acidity. This wine has an enduring fresh finish."

"This elegant wine meets the eye with a medium ruby hue and offers up subtle hints of cherry and forest floor on the nose. On the palate one finds again a mix of Ranier and black cherries, mountain strawberries, rosehip tea and plum. There are some savory notes following through the finish that give the wine a clean line from front to back."

"Aromas of blackberries, boysenberry, nutmeg and smoke are followed by flavors of Bing cherries, wild raspberries, roasted plum and allspice. A compelling & dense entry followed by a sweet and juicy mouthfeel is supported by balanced acidity, fine grain tannins and an intriguingly, complex finish."

"The 2010 Pinot Noir North Slope is a gorgeous wine laced with freshly cut flowers, spices, red berries and minerals. Saline notes are woven throughout, giving the wine its lift and vibrancy. The North Slope boasts gorgeous inner perfume and fabulous overall length. It will be interesting to see where this goes over the coming years. The future appears to be very bright."