Acacia

2006 Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros ($28) began to take hold. It offers plush, aromatic blackberry and plum conserve flavors laced with warm spices, cream and toasty, vanillin oak, with a long, ripe finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 07/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2003 Pinot Noir Napa Valley-Carneros ($20). Ripe cherry and red berry aromas and flavors pick up appealing bacon and mushroom notes on the finish. Fairly big tannins for a Pinot — needs food to balance. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 06/05)

2000 Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros ($25). Inviting blackberry jam and earthy aromas introduce concentrated black cherry and cassis flavors studded with clove, black pepper, and smoke. Medium to full bodied, with smoothly integrated tannins. Generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Richard’s Picks, 12/02)

1999 Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros ($25). Concentrated but still elegant, with ripe fruit, spice, and excellent balance. This is a wine with finesse. Ready to drink now and over the next four years. We paired it with grilled salmon, baked potatoes, and sautéed zucchini for a most satisfying meal. (Weekend Wine, 10/01)

Alexander Valley Vineyards 1998 Pinot Noir Alexander Valley Wetzel Family Estate ($18). Excellent value here. Concentrated red fruit, with generous doses of earth and oak. Thoroughly enjoyable now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 12/00)

Alma Rosa

2007 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($32). Intense dark berry and cherry flavors are layered with dried herbs, mushroom and sweet tobacco notes. With a long, rich finish. Benefits from a bit of decanting now. should continue to smooth out over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-11)

2006 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills ($36). Delicate and pretty, with red berry and plum fruit laced with smoke, toast and anise that gain, however subtly, in complexity through the long finish. So versatile with food. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-02-13)

2006 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills La Encantada Vineyard ($49). Deep plum and black raspberry aromas and flavors are layered with smoke, baking spices and black tea notes that mingle on the smooth, generous finish. Nicely integrated tannins provide structure. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-02-13)

Amici Cellars 2002 Pinot Noir Mendocino County ($35). Ripe strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors are lush and voluptuous, but not overdone. With pretty, warm spices and a full, fleshy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. (Weekend Wine 08/05)

Anapamu 2001 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($16). Seriously funky, barnyard-y bouquet still lets a little red fruit through, leading to lush strawberry and cherry fruit, black pepper and creamy vanilla flavors. Nice concentration. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)

Arcadian

Artesa

1997 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($21). Sophisticated and complex, with concentrated black cherry and raspberry flavors layered with spice and an earthy quality that was delicious. This wine is wonderful now and should age beautifully for the next couple of years. We chose it to accompany a fantastic meal of Chateaubriand with Béarnaise sauce in lieu of the more traditional Bordeaux match, and the wine was a revelation. (Weekend Wine, 02/01).

Baileyana 2003 Pinot Noir Edna Valley Grand Firepeak Cuvee Firepeak Vineyard ($38). Simultaneously rich and racy, with ripe black cherry and juicy berry fruit layered with kicky, fresh spices, all on a velvety palate. Appealing, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (World Wide Wine 12/05)

Beaulieu Vineyard

Benziger 1997 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($18). Ripe and velvety, showing red plum and berry fruit flavors, with touches of lavender and oak. The finish is long and luxurious. Try with roasted poultry or pork dishes. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)

Beringer

Black Kite Cellars 2008 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Stony Terrace ($52). One of the biggest, ripest (and high-ish alcohol) Pinot Noirs I think I’ve ever tasted from Anderson Valley, but it worked with the filets. Offering loads of intense black cherry aromas and flavors, with accents of rose petal, vanila, toast and spicy dark chocolate, and a long, lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-04)

Buena Vista Carneros

Byron

C. Donatiello

2007 Pinot Noir Maddie’s Vineyard ($62). A big, rich, velvety, spicy Pinot that doesn’t quite leave behind elegance, with deep black fruit laced with chocolate, spicy black pepper, leather and briar notes that mingle on the rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-24)

2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Floodgate Vineyard Block 15 ($55). Silky and concentrated, with an array of berry aromas and flavors, as well as cola, spicy bittersweet chocolate and dried herbal notes on the full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-24)

2006 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($41). Silky. aromatic raspberry and cherry fruit character is laced with smoke and licorice, finishing bright and fruity. Nice concentration throughout. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-24)

Calera

2009 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($24). Always a good bet, Calera’s Central Coast Pinot offers balance and complexity at an affordable price. With ripe, juicy red cherry accented with more delicate raspberry and tangy currant, exotic spice notes, dried herbs that emerge on the lingering finish along with toast and smoke. Ready to drink now but will also age nicely for 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-06-29)

2007 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Jensen Vineyard ($70). Deep and rich, full-bodied — nothing shy here. Offering dark black cherry, plum and berry aromas and flavors with swirls of baking spice, signature mineral notes and a deft touch of vanilla. Long finish includes bright, fruity acidity that should support further bottle age, if desired. Drink now and over the next 7-8 years. (2011-03-25)

2007 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan de Villiers ($35). Offers bright, effusive aromas and flavors that include rich black cherry and deep plum, waves of chocolate and an array of warm spices, picking up touches of mineral, sweet smoke and vanilla through the youthful, fruity finish. Tempting now but should age nicely, 5-8 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-08-11)

2007 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($24). Aromatic black cherry and currant fruit stays focused through the pretty finish, picking up mineral, licorice and lavender along the way. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-17)

2006 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Jensen ($60). Beautifully structured and elegant, with delicate smoke and earth accents to the deep black fruits. Smooth, but with a hint of mineral grip on the long, pretty finish. Very nice now and over the next 8-10 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-13)

2006 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Selleck ($75). This one is built for aging — and definitely could use a bit more time in the bottle. Right now, its bright red fruit, herbal and mineral notes are tightly wound. But a few hours after pouring, the wine opened up nicely, gaining depth and smoothness through the finish. Drink from 2015. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-13)

2006 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Reed ($50). Red berry fruit aromas and flavors are layered with floral, mineral, anise and light earthy/peppery notes. Decant for short-term drinking; best after 2011. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-13)

2006 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard ($45). Pretty, ripe red cherry and crushed berry flavors are accented with mineral and complex spiced tea notes that gain in intensity through the concentrated, lingering, mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-08)

2006 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Bench Break Vineyard ($30). We didn’t get much from this wine — it seemed closed on both the nose and the palate, even after several hours of breathing. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-10-23)

2006 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Cuvee ($30). Delicate, pretty red cherry aromas and flavors pick up touches of white pepper and tea, with the finish building in concentration and focused fruit character. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Robyn’s Picks 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Selleck Vineyard Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage ($75). Tightly wound at this stage, with cedar, mineral and tar wrapped around the dark plum and blackberry fruit. Focused, concentrated, with the long finish showing glimpses of the smooth, lush wine to come. Best from 2011-2018. Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Jensen Vineyard Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage ($60). Really pretty, feminine stuff, with elegant mineral weaving through the lush black fruits — plum, cherry — and aromatic, exotic spices. Picks up touches of ginger, vanilla and toast through the finish. Supple mouthfeel belies firm tannic structure. Should age beautifully. Tempting now, but best from 2010-2015. Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Reed Vineyard Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage ($50). Approachable now, this one is plush and supple, with heady aromas of red berry, cola, cedar and fresh herbs and spices — notes that repeat on the palate, along with layers of mushroom and sweet smoky notes. Elegant, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Ryan ($40). Loved the tangy, bright red cherry and plum fruit here, with a touch of floral and loads of spices — anise, nutmeg, even a dash of cayenne. Stays lively through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Robyn’s Picks 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Mills ($45). Lovely, ripe, rich strawberry and red raspberry aromas and flavors, with warm anise, toast and a touch of mineral coming through the plush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Robyn’s Picks 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($23). Yum! Plush and appealing, with smooth black cherry and plum flavors laced with warm spices, toast and a touch of mineral. Folds into a generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 04/07)

2005 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Cuvée Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage ($30). Slightly more sleek and silky than the 2004 vintage of this wine, with elegant dark cherry aromas and flavors, picking up baking spices, mineral and sweet tobacco on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine 10/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2004 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Cuvée ($28). Jammy black raspberry aromas and flavors mingle with dusty, earthy notes that emerge on the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2004 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Ryan Vineyard ($40). Layers of aromatic berry fruit — blackberry, wild raspberry, boysenberry — are accented with pretty spices, mineral and roasted, slightly earthy herbal notes that linger on the complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2004 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Mills Vineyard ($45). To us, Calera’s Mills Vineyard PInots have varied from delicate red fruit flavors to more dusty blackberry and blueberry, but they always seem to have a bright, happy acidity that makes them food friendly and mouthwatering — and this ’04 is no exception. Intense red raspberry and cherry flavors star from beginning to end, with mineral, exotic spice and toast notes lingering on the juicy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2004 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Reed Vineyard ($50). Reed Vineyard is where we typically get exotic spices, tobacco or other savory accent… this year (as in the ’01), it was a bacony character that blends with the black tea and light spiciness to support the delicate red cherry and berry flavors and linger on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (As an aside, we couldn’t resist nibbling on a piece of Mo’s Bacon Chocolate Bar by Vosges Chocolate for a bacon nirvana pairing…) (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2004 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Jensen Vineyard ($60). We think of Jensen as rich and spicy, and the ’04 fits that description, with its ripe, concentrated berry and currant fruit and aromatic, warm baking spices, along with touches of floral and blueberry. A slight mineral note on the full finish is appealing, too. Ready to drink now and over the next seven or eight years. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2004 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Selleck Vineyard ($75). Finally, Selleck is the flagship, always intense and concentrated, and wonderful for aging. Red berry and currant aromas and flavors are ripe but structured, with layers of warm spices, sweet, earthy tobacco leaf and mineral notes that fold together on the long, elegant finish. Ready to drink now, but well worth aging for seven or eight years. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2003 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Jensen Vineyard ($55). Pretty and delicate, with red berry and cherry fruit accented with effusive spices and cigar box aromas and flavors. Best served at cellar temperature. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 04/07)

2003 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard ($45). Bright and pretty, with red berry and cherry fruit laced with tea, smoke and allspice. Could drink this every single day. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 04/07)

2003 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Reed Vineyard ($50). Intriguing interplay of bright acidity, earthy mushroom, delicate Chinese tea, sleek cassis, freshly grated nutmeg and toasty vanilla. Continues to evolve through a long, elegant finish, picking up a touch of minerality along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (World Wide Wine 04/07)

2003 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Selleck Vineyard ($60). Elegant and complex, with smoky, sweet tobacco lacing smooth blackberry and plum fruit. Finishes long and focused, picking up touches of anise, mineral and wet earth. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (World Wide Wine 04/07)

2003 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($21). Such a deal, with excellent Pinot winemaking and fruit at a great price. Bright raspberry, black tea, sweet vanilla, medium-bodied, great finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. (Weekend Wine 07/06)

2003 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Ryan Vineyard ($40). Mouthwatering aromas and flavors include ripe red strawberry and cherry, spicy vanilla bean, dried lavender, and just a touch of toasty oak. Petal-soft tannins and a long, delicate finish. Pretty Pinot fruit here! Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Lovely with grilled salmon. (Weekend Wine 05/06)

2002 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Mills Vineyard ($43). A restrained style, with slightly tart red berry and dried red cherry fruit accented with dried herbs and light spices that linger on the earthy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 11/06)

2002 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Selleck Vineyard ($58). Lovely, with racy, focused black cherry and frangrant red berry notes, warm spices and fresh herbs. Long, tightly wound finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Weekend Wine 11/06)

2002 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Reed Vineyard ($48). Loved this wine! Deep and lush, with dusty red cherry and pretty strawberry shadings, focused spices, and a creamy vanilla note on the mineral-accented finish. Bright and lovely. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 07/06)

2002 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($20). Aromatic mushroom and tobacco accents lace smooth red raspberry and cherry fruit flavors that stay focused through the mineral-laced finish. Great structure for the price. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 09/05)

2002 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Ryan Vineyard ($40). A new offering in the Calera lineup, this first vintage features ripe red cherry and wild berry aromas and flavors layered with spicy oak, cracked black pepper and a dash of vanilla bean. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 09/05)

2001 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Selleck Vineyard ($55). Just a baby now, with all the promise and potential of young, well-made Pinot. Delicate flavors, with some power lurking beneath the surface. Raspberry, blackberry, mocha, vanilla, warm spices and more. Tempting now, but will certainly gain in complexity with some age – at least 4-6 years. (Splurge Wine 10/05)

2001 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard ($40). Rich ribbons of flavors include focused black cherry, blackberry, allspice, sweet earth, roasted nuts, and nicely integrated toasty oak. Continues to evolve through the long, lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Weekend Wine 09/05)

2001 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Jensen Vineyard ($50). Beautiful forward fruit on nose introduces loads of cherry and cassis fruit flavors that are focused without being overripe or “big”. Great integrated acid weaves throughout wine, rather than coming in a burst. Spicy, toasty finish. Delicious now and over the next 5+ years. (Weekend Wine 05/05)

2001 Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Reed Vineyard ($45). Pretty ruby color on this elegantly structured wine. Appealing palate weight includes a bacony note in the middle and on the finish, along with orange rind and black tea accents to the red berry and cherry fruit flavors. Lovely finish. Very good now and over the next 5+ years. (Weekend Wine 05/05)

2000 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Selleck Vineyard ($55). Delicious, with an elegantly fruity and lightly spicy bouquet leading to an integrated, beautifully balanced wine. No one flavor dominates, with notes that include black plum, cherry, earth, mushroom and spice. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Wine Tasting, 12/04)

2000 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard ($40). Mocha-scented blueberry and ripe cherry flavors, pick up allspice and a dash of funky earth. Dusty tannins are offset by a nice, bright acidity and lengthy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. (Wine Tasting, 12/04)

2000 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($20). Fresh, ripe blackberry and raspberry aromas and flavors with a racy spiciness and moderate finish. Easy to like and pair with just about any food. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Winery Spotlight, 06/04)

2000 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Reed Vineyard ($45). Beautifully balanced, with deep red fruit flavors layered with baking spices and mint, milk chocolate, sweet tobacco and earth. Velvety texture and lovely, lingering finish. Delicious now and over the next five years. (Winery Spotlight, 06/04)

2000 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Jensen Vineyard ($50). Full-bodied and structured, offering concentrated red cherry and berry fruit, smoky earthiness, mushroom, tobacco, allspice, and sweet vanilla. Rich, full finish. Tempting now, but will continue to evolve nicely over the next seven or eight years. (Winery Spotlight, 06/04)

1999 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($20). Good value here, with focused cherry and plum fruit and spicy tobacco notes. Nice ripe finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 10/02)

1997 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Jensen Vineyard ($75). Focused, with lush black cherry and plum fruit, spice, and mineral notes. Imposing, bone-dry tannins need a little time to smooth out. Very good now; even better in a couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 10/02)

1997 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Melange ($40). This is a blend of three of Calera’s single vineyard Pinots. Completely enjoyable, with layers of lush red and black cherry fruit mixing with mineral, smoke, chocolate and oak. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 10/02)

1997 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard ($55). Beautiful black cherry and concentrated raspberry fruit is layered with espresso and toasty vanilla oak. Deliciously smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 10/02)

1997 Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan Reed Vineyard ($65). Concentrated black cherry fruit is offset by earthy notes and smoky oak. Earthy character continues on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 10/02)

Cambria

Carmel Road 2006 Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco Clark Ranch ($35). Rich, smooth, aromatic black cherry and plum flavors are accented with clove and forest floor, with a focused, long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-18)

Carpe Diem 2002 Pinot Noir Edna Valley Firepeak Vineyard ($31). Full bodied, with ripe red cherry and berry flavors accented with vanilla, nutmeg and other baking spices. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 12/05)

Castle Rock 2002 Pinot Noir Napa Valley ($11). Nice price on this jammy fruit style, with ripe black cherry and berry flavors that finish with a generous dose of cinnamon-laced milk chocolate and vanillin oak. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/05)

Chalone

Chateau St. Jean

Chumeia

Concannon 2009 Pinot Noir Central Coast Selected Vineyards ($10). A medium-weight charmer, with a touch of earthy complexity on the nose, then a compact palate of ripe red berry and cherry fruit. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-29)

CrossBarn 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($35). A Paul Hobbs wine, this one is a knockout. With layers of red cherry, raspberry, sweet earth, exotic spices, pipe tobacco and a long, smooth, mouthwatering finish. Should age quite nicely, too. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-04)

Cupcake Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($14). Supple, aromatic, brimming with red fruit — currants, raspberry, red cherry — and picking up lovely touches of cardamom, clove, ginger and vanilla notes through the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (2011-01-07)

Cuvaison

David Bruce

Davis Bynum 2009 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($35). Ripe raspberry and bright red cherry aromas and flavors pick up touches of dried floral and delicate herbal notes, staying rich and graceful from beginning to mouthwatering end. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-07-07)

De Loach

Deerfield Ranch Winery 2000 Pinot Noir Sonoma County Russian River Valley Cohn Vineyard ($48). Sweet berry, cinnamon, and vanilla aromas introduce smooth red cherry fruit layered with coffee, rose, and anise notes. Smooth structure; moderate acidity. Sweet fruit finish picks up strawberry jam. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Richard’s Picks, 12/02)

Domaine Alfred

Domaine Chandon 2000 Pinot Noir Carneros ($29). Featuring flavorful cherry fruit on an elegant, medium-bodied frame, with touches of earth, nutmeg, and creamy oak – this is a completely tasty wine that would pair wonderfully with a wide variety of foods. Think roasted chicken, salmon, mushrooms, and just about any cheese you can name. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks 08/02)

Donum 2003 Pinot Noir Carneros ($80). New to us, and very impressive. With focused, concentrated blackberry fruit laced with herbal notes, plus mineral, tobacco and just a touch of earthiness. Picks up cocoa on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 02/07)

DuMOL 2003 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($56). Floral-scented red raspberry and cherry flavors are woven with mineral, mushroom and light earth notes. Finishes long and rich with a touch of creamy vanilla. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Splurge Wine 10/05)

Echelon

Etude 2000 Pinot Noir Carneros ($40). Floral scented bouquet leads to a lovely, complex fruit profile that includes deep cherry and berry, with balanced clove, licorice, and subtle vanilla oak accents. Elegant, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Fess Parker 2008 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County ($27). Appealing for its array of bright, racy red raspberry and concentrated cherry notes, along with black tea and warm spices that mingle through the smooth, lightly toasty finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-08-31)

Fetzer 1998 Pinot Noir Reserve Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vineyard ($28). Nice bouquet and flavors, including smooth cherry and red berry, with a bit of sweet floral on the finish. Medium bodied. Good finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 06/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Flipflop 2009 Pinot Noir California ($7). I’m not sure how they did it, but this 7-buck Pinot is quite nice. Delicate, light, pretty — with raspberry and cherry fruit accented with touches of clove, vanilla and leather. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-06-22)

Flowers 1998 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Camp Meeting Ridge ($45). Intense ripe fruit bouquet. Velvety smooth on the palate, with red cherry fruit and floral notes, and an enjoyable leathery accent. Can be enjoyed now or over the next five or six years. (Weekend Wine, 12/00)

Foursight Wines 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Charles Vineyard All In ($46). “All in” here means that the winery is using all (four) of its Pinot Noir clones in this wine — as opposed to a single-clone wine. I really liked it — lovely dark fruit aromas and flavors, with bright acidity, subtle oak influence, and a long, complex finish. Medium bodied and balanced. Should age beautifully. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-02)

Frei Brothers

2006 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Reserve ($30). I liked this wine for its delicate blueberry and black currant flavors that are laced with dried herbal and light earthy notes and toast. Works well with food. Not a particularly ripe style and perhaps not for everyone, but I appreciated its delicacy and light-handedness. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-28)($24). Medium-bodied, with juicy red fruit and soft tannins. Accents fall on the sweet side, including vanilla and cola. Moderate finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2002 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Northern Sonoma Reserve

2001 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Northern Sonoma Reserve ($24). Delicate black cherry and blackberry fruit are layered with touches of nutmeg, earth and oak. Stays focused through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2000 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Reserve ($24). Jammy red cherry and berry fruit is layered with creamy vanilla oak, smoke, and subtle herbal flavors. Lovely finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Winery Spotlight, 02/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

1999 Pinot Noir Northern Sonoma Russian River Valley Reserve ($18). Velvety smooth, with loads of wild raspberry fruit and just enough creamy oak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Fritz 2003 PInot Noir Russian River Valley ($30). Very good, with a mouthwatering bacony bouquet that introduces velvety red berry and plum fruit, more hints of bacon and warm appealing that linger on the delicious finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 06/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Gainey

2007 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($30.) Fresh and youthful, with fragrant, tangy blackberry and currant fruit accented with black tea, clove, cinnamon, orange rind and toasty oak notes that linger on the moderate finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-04-01)

2007 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Limited Selection ($48). Intense and rich, with ripe red berry, cherry and plum fruit layered with generous, aromatic baking spice notes, incense and smooth chocolate notes that linger on the full, ripe finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-04-01)

Gallo of Sonoma / Gallo Family Vineyards

2004 Pinot Noir Sonoma Reserve ($15). Easy to like, with pretty medium-bodied cherry cola and raspberry aromas and flavors. With a mouthwatering finish that makes it quite food friendly. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Bargain Wine 10/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2002 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($15). Smooth and seemless, with ripe red cherry and plum aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with a moderate, tasty finish that picks up sweet vanilla and warm spices. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 09/04)

2000 Pinot Noir Sonoma County ($13). Bright and easy to enjoy, with juicy raspberry and cherry fruit accented with light spice and vanilla oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 09/02)

1999 Pinot Noir Sonoma County ($13). Medium-bodied and easy to enjoy, this Pinot features soft raspberry and plum flavors, with appealing touches of herb and creamy vanillin oak. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. We see this paired with a mixed grill, good old fashioned potato salad, and summer veggies. (Man, that sounds good…) (Weekend Wine, 05/01)

Goldeneye 2006 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($55). Deep, velvety, mouthcoating, with concentrated red cherry and berry fruit, exotic spices, a touch of licorice, and distinctive herbal notes. Long, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-02)

Greg Norman California Estates 2008 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County ($15). Very nice, with licorice and floral notes accenting the smooth black fruit flavors. Medium bodied, plush, appealing, with a long, focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-08)

Greenwood Ridge

2007 Pinot Noir Mendocino Ridge ($30). Rich black cherry and berry aromas and flavors are subtly laced with wet earth, smoky bittersweet chocolate, lightly-roasted herbal notes and a touch of creamy vanilla. Full-bodied. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-17)

2001 Pinot Noir Mendocino Ridge ($N/A). Appealingly aged, with earthy and dried fruit notes playing off still-pretty red fruits. Complex, lightly spicy finish. Lovely. (2010-02-17)

Hangtime 2000 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley ($14). Bright and juicy character, with black cherry and berry fruit laced with touches of earth, smoke and delicately spicy oak. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)

Hartford Court 1998 Pinor Noir Sonoma Coast Jennifer’s ($65). Firm currant and concentrated plum fruit are accented with a definite earthy terroir mouthfeel. Lots of tannins, especially on the finish. Ready to drink now, but will be even better in a couple of years. (Winery Spotlight, 06/01)

Hartford Family Vineyard 2001 PInot Noir Russian River Valley Dutton-Sanchietti Vineyard ($54). Velvety and intense, offering red cherry and blueberry fruit interwoven with floral, five-spice, and a touch of earth. Long, full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

Hayman & Hill 2008 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Reserve Selection ($18). Nice price for this pedigree, offering youthful raspberry and red cherry flavors that are medium-bodied and strike a nice balance between delicate and racy. With floral, spice and toast accents and a smooth finish. Paired nicely with roasted chicken breasts and wilted spinach with glazed walnuts. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-21)

Husch Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($23). Pretty, aromatic and on the delicate side, with an appealing loamy earth accent to the red berry, exotic spice and vanilla notes, with a long, smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-02)

Iron Horse 1998 Pinot Noir Sonoma County Green Valley ($28). Sophisticated black cherry and berry fruit mingle with touches of lavender and earth. Good finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/00)

Irony

J Vineyards

2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Nicole’s Vineyard ($65). Lovely, elegant, expressive Pinot, with aromatic leather and spice introducing layers of supple red cherry, deep plum, fig, cola, chocolate and more warm spices that linger on the silky finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-7  years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-05-20)

2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($35). Very nice — delicate, which can be a welcome relief from overly ripe Pinot. Silky, bright red berry and plum flavors laced with light cola accents, cinnamon, toast, vanilla and and an earthy/savory accent on the finish. Worked beautifully with Cornish game hens and wild rice studded with dried cranberries and mushrooms. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-04-30)

2006 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($38). Elegant and smooth, with focused red cherry and red berry fruit that builds in concentration through the finish, picking up light herbal, mineral and vanilla notes along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Weekend Wine 08/08)

2005 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($32) Quite pretty and easy to like, with its delicate cherry and raspberry fruit laced with toast, allspice and a touch of dried herbal notes and its gently lingering finish. Ready to drink now. We enjoyed the Pinot with a simple supper of shrimp and canned cannellini beans — sauteed quickly with a bit of chopped bacon, garlic, canned tomatoes, rosemary and parsley, and served with a crusty baguette. (Picks & Nibbles 10/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Joseph Swan 2000 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Trenton Estate Vineyard ($42). Extracted and full-bodied, offering ripe red cherry and berry fruit layered with dried rose and herbal notes, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Generous finish. Very pretty. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 08/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Kendall-Jackson

2008 Pinot Noir California Vintner’s Reserve ($18). Smooth, easy-drinking and easy-to-like, with moderate black cherry aromas and flavors accented with cola, baking spices, and a touch of vanilla that fold into a smooth, appealing, bright finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-28)

2007 Pinot Noir California Vintner’s Reserve ($18). Pretty black cherry fruit is juicy and fresh, with accents of sweet smoke, toasty vanilla and light herbal notes. Finishes with crisp acidity and a hint of exotic spice. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-04-23)

1999 Pinot Noir Monterey County Great Estates ($28). If you haven’t yet discovered the Great Estates line from Kendall-Jackson, this Pinot is reason enough to get going. Deeply colored and concentrated, with rich red cherry and currant fruit, accented with espresso and spice. A nice earthiness throughout. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 09/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Kenwood 1998 Pinot Noir Sonoma Valley Jack London Vineyard ($20). Rich, ripe cherry fruit, layered with herbs and espresso, finishing with a subtle cola accent. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Koves-Newlan

2000 Pinot Noir Napa Valley ($24). Delicious balance of smooth red cherry and raspberry fruit, earthy spices, and smoky vanilla oak. Stays elegant and focused through the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

1999 Pinot Noir Napa Valley ($20). Another concentrated, tannic Pinot, but this one shows more balance and brightness now. Red cherry and raspberry fruit are the stars, with an array of accents including smoke, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and well-integrated oak. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 04/02)

1997 Pinot Noir Reserve Napa Valley ($26). Concentrated fruit is matched by considerable tannins here, with the predominant fruit notes including blackberry and raspberry, with hints of dried cherry. An appealing earthy character adds balance, if not smoothness. Overall a tasty wine; may become more approachable and develop a more Pinot Noir velvety character with additional bottle age. Would pair well now with more substantial foods, like grilled steaks. Best after 2004. (Weekend Wine, 04/02)

La Crema

2007 Pinot Noir Los Carneros ($38). Deep black cherry aromas and flavors are accented with cola, clove and a touch of mocha, for a rich, full-bodied, smooth Pinot that finishes long and smooth. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-09)

2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($38). I particularly liked this one, with its deep black cherry and plum character and elegant, interesting floral and black tea aromatics, and dusty cocoa notes on the lingering finish. Medium- to full-bodied, velvety smooth, structured but not heavy. Ready to drink now but should age nicely for six or seven years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-09)

2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($50). Lovely, with delicate, bright mixed berry and cherry character, and accents of light spice, dried lavender and coffee that linger on the long, complex, medium-bodied finish. Stays bright and pretty from beginning to end. Should age nicely for 5+ years, but is delicious right now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-09)

1998 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($35). Berry and spice aromas introduced berry, cherry, and plum flavors and an intriguing earthiness. The perfect wine for a wild game dinner. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)

Lynmar 1998 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Quail Hill Vineyard ($35). Rich black cherry and berry fruit with violet and spice notes on a silky body make this wine approachable now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 12/00)

MacMurray Ranch

2001 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($32). Smooth red cherry and berry fruit, with a full, creamy mouthfeel. Layers of spice and smoke are nicely interwoven. Finishes with rich vanilla oak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)

2000 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($32). This is a beautiful wine that packs a powerful punch. Rich, ripe black cherry is layered with spice, black currant, earth, smoke and leather notes. Full-bodied and delicious. Wonderful now and should age beautifully over the next four or five years. We paired this wine with an earthy beef bourguignon with terrific results. (Weekend Wine, 09/02)

Marimar Torres 1998 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Don Miguel Vineyard ($30). Concentrated black cherry and red berry, with touches of vanilla and oak. Velvety smooth. Ready now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 12/00)

Mary Elke 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($26). Ripe, certainly, but still offering some delicacy and nuance, with black cherry and plum fruit accented with warm spices and nutty oak. Long, ripe finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-02)

Matanzas Creek 2007 Pinot Noir Bennett Valley Sonoma County ($35). Balanced, silky and easy to enjoy, offering aromatic blackberry and black cherry fruit laced with generous brown spices, light tobacco and toast notes, and an appealing underlying mineral character. Long, plush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three of four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-14)

Meridian

Merry Edwards 1998 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Olivet Lane ($45). This has to be one of the best California Pinot Noirs I’ve ever tasted. Beautifully balanced, with integrated red cherry, plum, and spicy lavender flavors and just a touch of French oak. Wonderful lingering finish. (Weekend Wine, 12/00)

Mirassou

Monticello 1998 Pinot Noir Napa Valley Corley Family Vineyards ($25). This is a warm and cheery wine — ruby red with a rose and berry bouquet. It is wonderfully well-balanced wine was replete with dark cherry, spice, and pepper flavors.

Morgan Winery

Mossback 2009 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($25). A smooth cola note balances out some definite herbal character, with red cherry and raspberry fruit, tangy acidity and a full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-01-11)

Nobilo 2003 Pinot Noir Marlborough Icon Series ($20). Very, very good – one of the best I’ve tasted from New Zealand, with loads of vibrant red berry and plum fruit, racy acidity, and a touch of leather. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks 02/05)

Orogeny 2002 Pinot Noir Sonoma County Green Valley ($25). Great structure here, offering aromatic fresh red berry and cherry and exotic spices. Picks up an appealing toasty caramel note on the long finish. Nicely balanced, with fresh acidity and fine tannins. A new label from the Chalone Wine Group. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine, 09/04)

Pali

2007 Pinot Noir Chalone Boer Family Vineyard ($50). Plush red fruit is laced with light briar and spice notes and slightly dusty tannins. A focused, structured, medium-bodied wine that should gain complexity with age — nicely made. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-07)

2007 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Durell Vineyard ($50). This one was my favorite from Pali, combining concentrated black fruit character, exotic spices and good acidity and structure, with a long, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-07)

2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Keefer Ranch Vineyard ($50). Deeper and more intense than the Boer Family Vineyard, with black fruits laced with cola and spice that linger on the full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-07)

Paraiso

2009 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands ($25). Especially liked the earthy note on the nose and palate — a sweet earth, not quite mushroomy thing.  With ripe red berry and plum fruit from beginning to end, picking up sweet spice and toast notes through the full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-01-11)

2007 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands ($25). Killer Pinot at a great price, with a nice balance between ripe, rich cherry and red plum character on the one hand, and freshly grated nutmeg, anise, mineral and bright acidity on the other. Supple, long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-16)

Parducci 2009 Pinot Noir California ($12). Quite light and pale in color, but nice. With red berry and cherry fruit accented with light spice notes. Medium finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-29)

Patz & Hall 2000 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Pisoni Vineyard ($75). Bold and full-bodied, with intense blackberry and cherry fruit layered with earth, anise, and lush spices. Generous, lingering finish. Very good now and over the next four or five years. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)

Phillips Hill 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Oppenlander Vineyard ($42). I tasted through several of Phillips Hill’s single vineyard Pinots, and thought this one had it all — rich, silky dark cherry and plum fruit, but also complex mushroom, licorice, clove and toasted vanilla notes that linger on the slightly dusty finish. Approachable now, but should age nicely — 6+ years, at least. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-02)

Picket Fence 2006 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($30). Bright but delicate red raspberry and cherry fruit is laced with pretty spices and touches of toast and vanilla. Silky, supple mouthfeel and a long, complex, focused finish. Delicious now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-10-12)

Pietra Santa 2006 Pinot Noir Cienega Valley ($18). This one just seemed heavy, with a creamy, almost thick mouthfeel that didn’t seem particularly Pinot-like compared to the others. But the tangy red cherry and strawberry jam flavors weren’t all bad. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-10-23)

Redwood Creek 2002 Pinot Noir California ($8). Quite light, with juicy red cherry and not a whole lot else. But to its credit, it didn’t seem to include any of the cloying sweetness that similarly-priced bottles often have. Easy to drink — a good quality “beginner” wine. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 09/04)

Robert Mondavi

2008 Pinot Noir Carneros ($27). A big, ripe, fruit-forward style, with plush blackberry jam and pretty red cherry and berry flavors and aromas. Picks up touches of spice and cream through the smooth finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-08-31)

2002 Pinot Noir Central Coast Private Selection ($13). Smooth, light- bodied, and easy to like, with pretty raspberry and black cherry fruit and aromatic floral and spice notes. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/05)

Rodney Strong

Russian Hill Estate Winery 2000 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Leras Vineyard ($38). Smooth and seductive, with ripe, focused black cherry and berry fruit laced with allspice and earth, and just a touch of dried herbs. Lovely deep red color. Full finish lingers generously. Very good now and over the next five or six years. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

Saintsbury

2009 Pinot Noir Carneros Garnet ($20). Medium-bodied, with fresh, youthful red berry and plum aromas and flavors, picking up baking spice, light toast, mineral and fresh tobacco notes through the supple finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-12-08)

2008 Pinot Noir Carneros Garnet ($20). Dark berry and cherry aromas and flavors are laced with loam and mineral notes — and interesting play between ripe and earthy. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-01)

2007 Pinot Noir Carneros Lee Vineyard ($45). Spicy, forward fruit aromas introduce rich blueberry and black cherry flavors laced with touches of chocolate, sweet tobacco and fresh herbs. Manages to find that important balance of offering lush richness without being heavy. Delicious. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-6 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-05-21)

2007 Pinot Noir Carneros ($35). I like the balance here — food friendly, supple, pretty cherry  character, with a fresh finish and deep nutmeg and clove accents. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-01)

2007 Pinot Noir Carneros Stanly Ranch ($45). Very nice, with smooth, smoky plum, blueberry and cassis flavors deftly layered with delicate herbal and mushroom notes. Nice structure, acidity and supple tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-20)

2000 Pinot Noir Carneros Brown Ranch ($75). Rich and focused, with red cherry and berry fruit, mineral, earthy notes and firm tannins. Beautiful, lively acidity. Delicious now and over the next four or five years. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)

1999 Pinot Noir Carneros (375 ml, $10) Another good example of a very good Carneros Pinot Noir. This Saintsbury was velvety smooth, but full of concentrated fruit and spice. Very enjoyable finish, too. We paired it with roasted chicken for an excellent meal. (Weekend Wine, 03/01)

Sanford Winery

2008 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict Vineyard ($60). Rich and full bodied, but showing some balance and complexity, if not subtlety. With compelling, aromatic accents of smoky dark chocolate, sage and baking spices, a core of silky red berry and cherry fruit, with the sage and dark chocolate emerging again on the finish, along with a touch of mint. Ready to drink now and over the next 5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-04-22)

1997 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara ($25). Excellently structured wine that should cellar for another three to five years, this sophisticated Pinot is made up of layers of dried black cherry, licorice, tobacco, and crisp herbal notes. Aged in new French oak for fifteen months. (RLT, Weekend Wine, 05/00)

Saracina 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($35). Pretty is the first word that came to mind on this Pinot, with floral, toast and lightly spicy accents to the ripe cherry and plum fruit and a long, supple finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-03)Sebastopol 1999 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch ($30). Funky, earthy bouquet gives way to bright cherry fruit flavors accented with dried herbs, clove and fennel. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)

Scott Family Estate 2008 Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco ($39). Bright and charming, offering wild strawberry, cherry, cola, clove and other baking spices, vanilla and light touches of dried lavender and cigar box, with a smooth, generous finish. Ready to drink now. (2011-02-11)

Selby 1998 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($20). Wonderfully smooth and velvety, with ripe red cherry and plum fruit, a slight herbal note, and a nice smoky oak finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 05/01)

Solaris 2004 Pinot Noir Carneros Special Release ($15). Appealing spicy cherry flavors are balanced and easy to like. Mouthwatering red berry finish. A good example of a value California Pinot that maintains a sense of style and doesn’t get syrup-y ripe. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/06)

Steele

1999 Pinot Noir Carneros ($20). Smooth and velvety, with soft fruit combined with touches of dark chocolate and spicy oak. Wonderful finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 11/01)

1999 Pinot Noir Carneros Sangiacomo Vineyard ($30). Smooth red cherry fruit combines with toasty oak, delicate vanilla, tobacco and herbal notes in this appealing, medium-bodied wine. Nice finish stays focused and flavorful. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 07/02)

1999 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vineyard ($36). Elegant bouquet gives way to chunkier flavors of earth, leather, coriander, and vanilla on top of the juicy red cherry fruit. Medium-bodied. There’s a lot going on here; it just didn’t seem as focused or refined as expected. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 07/02)

Sterling

($25). Elegant blackberry and spice aromas lead to cherry, berry and plum fruit mingling with clove and toasty oak. Delicious finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Richard’s Picks, 12/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2006 Pinot Noir Central Coast Vintner’s Collection ($13) is silky smooth, with pretty black cherry and currant flavors laced with herbal notes and a hint of spice on the moderate finish. Offers surprising balance at this price point. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-29)

2000 Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros Winery Lake Vineyard

Talisman Cellars

Talus 1996 Pinot Noir ($9). My particular favorite of the Talus lineup, it is smooth and well-balanced, and has won wine industry accolades. Recently, I saw a message posted on a message board on the web. The guy was raving about the Talus Pinot Noir he had enjoyed at a restaurant while on vacation in San Francisco. However, he was concerned about availability of the wine outside of California. The posted response to his message read something like this: “Well, I live in Kentucky and we have Talus on the shelves here. And if we can get it in Kentucky . . .” Perhaps that should be our “easy to find” standard — if you can get it in Kentucky . . . (ETFOFW 10/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.

TAZ Vineyards

2006 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County ($25), which offers a subtle earthy, mushroom edge to ripe plum and red berry fruit and toasty vanilla and baking spice notes. Long, plush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-15)

2005 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County ($25). Big and ripe — maybe bigger and riper than a Pinot “should” be — but still darn tasty. With smooth, rich red cherry supported by chocolate, spice and toast that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Testarossa

Tolosa 2005 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($18). Quite pretty, with delicate red berry aromas and flavors laced with anise and toast. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. We paired it with a salad of red leaf lettuce, watercress, blue cheese and toasted walnuts with a light vinaigrette and some fresh bread for a light, end-of-the-week supper. (Picks & Nibbles 09/07)

Toulouse

2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($42). Deeper and richer than the 2006, with black cherry and berry fruit layered with aromatic, sweet baking spices, vanilla and herbal notes that linger on the supple finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-02)

2006 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($39). Pretty and nuanced, with aromatic anise and white pepper spice accenting red cherry and berry flavors that linger on the smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-02)

Truchard 1999 Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros ($32). Rich vanilla, red berry and cola aromas lead to a velvety smooth, sensuous wine. Rich with lush red fruit and generous mocha and toasted oak notes. Lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. Delicious with a maple-glazed salmon at New Orleans’ Restaurant on Lee Circle. (Weekend Wine, 06/02)

Turning Leaf

2002 Pinot Noir North Coast Coastal Reserve ($13). Light cherry and herbal notes combine to make a light, but pretty and easy to drink wine. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 06/04)

2001 Pinot Noir North Coast Coastal Reserve ($10). Ripe, smooth black cherry fruit is laced with cinnamon, mocha and black pepper. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)

1995 Pinot Noir Sonoma County Sonoma Reserve ($9ish). I like Pinot Noir for many reasons. In particular, I like saying “Nwarh.” This weekend I grilled some chicken with onions and green pepper, melted a little Fontina on top, and washed it all down with the  A simple Nwarh with cherry and currant and rose. Rose, you say? Could be my allergies talking, but, indeed, I tasted rose. (Weekend Wine, 04/00)

Waterstone

Willowbrook