Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2021

 Crossbarn is a stand-alone brand that serves as the second label for international winemaker Paul Hobbs.  As a result, Crossbarn wines are always solid, worth their price and good dinner companions, which is certainly the case here.  If you are not looking for a lot of complexity but good structure and flavors, this Pinot Noir will deliver fully.  It has dark fruity aromas that are a bit closed at first but gradually opens up.  It has solid cherry flavors, just a hint of Pinot rootiness and dusty tannins.  I should also note that well-balanced, well-structured wines like this will hold their flavors for years in the cellar, filling that slot when you want a good 10-year-old wine for dinner but don’t want to raid your treasure chest.