Kind of Wild, California Pinot Noir 2023 ($26)

Of all the grapes that end up as single-variety wines, Pinot Noir is probably the one that, while difficult to grow, can almost always guarantee an enjoyable wine. Perhaps not a Burgundy-class red, yet a wine that almost always is more success than failure. For $26, this is an enjoyable Pinot that fulfills that promise, with nice fruity fragrances and warm and generous flavors on the palate with good structural acidity and defining aromatic bitters around the edges. Its main shortcoming is a bit of flabbiness in the middle, which is hardly noticeable if you aren’t paying attention.
89 Roger Morris