Red Rock Winery, California (United States) Pinot Noir 2012

This wine exemplifies why we need to regulate the term “Reserve.”  Red Rock Winery produces 40,000 cases of this Pinot Noir annually from grapes that come from anywhere in California.  That’s hardly a Reserve wine.  Slightly sweet and soft, this fruit-focused wine works perfectly as a stand-alone aperitif.  Not particularly tannic or structured, it will take a chill nicely. Though it does not convey a lot of Pinot Noir character, this easy-to-drink red is satisfying and a good choice for a party.