4 | Wine | Sonoma County, $20 to $50

"An excellent wine from a challenging vintage, with aromas of black cherry and spice opening to rich wild berry, mineral and toasty sage flavors that wrap around a concentrated core of acidity and tannins."

"Notably elegant and refined, this is polished at points, firm on the finish. The core black cherry and blackberry flavors are fresh and lively."

"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."

"The 2011 Geyserville impresses for its silkiness and texture. Sweet dark berries, flowers and mint are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. The 2011 is a decidedly mid-weight, feminine style of Geyserville. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift and vibrancy. The 2011 should drink well upon release and also age. To make the 2011, Ridge was especially selective and fewer parcels made it into the blend than normal, especially with the Petite Sirah."

"Bright yellow. Pungent aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, saffron and mint, with an underpinning of smoky minerals. Dusty citrus and apple flavors are complemented by a sexy floral quality and enlivened by zesty minerality. Finishes with excellent clarity and stony thrust, the floral note repeating. This taut, dry, deeply concentrated chardonnay should age gracefully."

"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."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve explodes from the glass with black fruit, grilled herbs, licorice, smoke and tar. The Grand Reserve reveals tons of energy and exceptional overall balance."

"Vivid yellow. Lively, spice-accented aromas of tangerine, melon and white flowers, with toasty lees and sweet butter accents adding depth. Offers an array of citrus fruit and spice flavors, with suave honeysuckle and brioche nuances emerging with air. Lingers impressively on the finish, which shows nervy orange pith and ginger character."

"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."