This value-priced California Pinot outperforms many that cost two, three, even four times as much. Neither sweet from over-ripe fruit nor hot from excessive alcohol, it instead tastes balanced and harmonious, with dark cherry-scented fruit enhanced by notes that echo savory spice. A great bargain, it’s well worth buying by the case.
Steelhead, Sonoma County (California) Pinot Noir 2011
By Paul Lukacs