This wine comes entirely from within the Russian River Valley AVA, a large region that possesses a myriad of soils, exposures, and unique terroirs that together produce a superb representation of the whole of the Russian River Valley. This 2017 offering showcases this area in all its complexity while also making for a wine that is eminently drinkable now as opposed to much later. It’s juicy with black and red fruit highlighting a weighty, full-bodied and fruit-forward style of powerful flavour. Baking spice and cola round out the profile on the finish.

Creamy, fresh, golden. Yellow with golden glints with and aromas of grilled lemons and young pineapple, toasted cashew, honeysuckle, tangerines, brown spice and vanilla. The palate mimics its nose with melon, tangerine, pineapple, candied nuts and hints of caramel. Creamy yet fresh it has a bold spritz of citrus in the mouth and a lingering oak spiced finish.

While chatting, we sipped Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 and Vérité Le Désir 2016. Both red blends are bold and elegant with an authentic sense of place and examples of meticulous and passionate winemaking.

While chatting, we sipped Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 and Vérité Le Désir 2016. Both red blends are bold and elegant with an authentic sense of place and examples of meticulous and passionate winemaking.

Exploring the Elegant and Earthy Red Wines Made with Pinot Noir GrapesAnd up in red-wood covered Anderson Valley, try Copain Pinot Noir Edmeades Vineyard 2017.

Exploring the Elegant and Earthy Red Wines Made with Pinot Noir GrapesThe Sonoma Coast is making excellent examples; try La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017…

Chardonnay? More like Chardonn-yay. This Santa Rita Hills blend is the result of the cool and foggy Pacific climate in Santa Barbara County, making for a crisp and complex wine with tones of walnut, marmalade, and sun-dried honeysuckle.

Bright varietal fruit of dried hay with a trace of green leaves; some citrus notes and a hint of kiwi. Medium-bodied, but dry and food-oriented. Superbly made; very classy and best with poached white fish.

Cool-climate fruit of grapefruit and chamomile tea aroma notes with a texture that’s slightly richer than the next wine. This stylish white actually improved after decanting and indicated that two to three more years in the bottle will make it not dissimilar from a fine white Bordeaux.

Taster’s notes: Smooth, rich and juicy, plum, red currant, walnut, full body, fresh acidity, velvety tannins, elegant structure, persistent red-fruit finish.

This is a bold styled pinot noir that can stand up to pretty much all meat dishes. Big cherry elements in a soft tannin structure, this wine is a delight to drink.

This winery has long been known for value, and this vintage of its Sonoma Coast pinot noir is a great example. Modestly priced but ambitiously crafted, it delivers layered aromas of cherry and pomegranate, a subtle note of oak spice and beautifully integrated tannins.

This ruby colored Pinot Noir opens with an earthy black raspberry and strawberry bouquet with hints of light oak and cinnamon. The medium bodied palate is smooth, juicy and slightly dry. The flavor profile is a blend of ripe black cherry, red licorice, oak, light strawberry and minerality. The tannins and acidity are well-balanced on this crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir. The pleasant finish is dry and extended. I would pair this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with prime rib.

Wine of the WeekThis Grand Cru from Saint-Emilion is deep red in color with black cherry, currants and spice aromas. Medium bodied along with ripe, plush fruit and crisp acidity.

Suitably pale ruby colour. Spice and liquorice on the nose. High, finely sanded tannins on the palate. Hot finish with full but fairly light fruit. Not nearly as bumptious as I expected. Seems to be suppressed, perhaps premature, yet without all the fruit power needed for long life.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard is a total rockstar. Deep, resonant and luxurious in its beauty, the 2018 possesses tremendous texture and exceptional balance. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice and blood orange build as the 2018 shows off its layered personality. More than anything else, the Radian is a Pinot built on depth and a real sense of volume. Don't miss it.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Pinot Noir Rita's Crown Vineyard shows all the natural intensity and depth that are such signatures in this rugged district within the Sta. Rita Hills. Black cherry, plum, hard candy, lavender, menthol, licorice and graphite all run through the Rita's Crown. Readers will find a deep, potent Pinot endowed with tremendous depth and structure.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018s The 2018 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard is fabulous. Silky, perfumed and supple, the 2018 offers a compelling expression of this site. All the elements meld together in a Pinot that is incredibly delicious and inviting. Black cherry, plum, leather, licorice and lavender build into the refined, nuanced finish.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018s The 2018 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard is the most exuberant of these Pinots from Siduri. An explosion of sweet red berry fruit, blood orange, incense and spice gives the Encantada striking exoticism. Silky tannins wrap around the pliant, creamy finish. The 2018 is such an enticing, alluring Pinot.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Chardonnay Radian Vineyard offers a beguiling mix of exuberance and energy. Lemon confit, tangerine oil, mint and butter notes are nicely pushed forward, and yet there is enough underlying minerality and acidity to balance some of the wine's natural overtness. The Hartford Radian is a bit more generous in feel than most wines from the far western coast of the appellation. That is not a bad thing, just a specific interpretation of site.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard is a pretty, elegant wine. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry, white pepper and chalky notes give the 2018 its distinct, lifted personality. Readers will find an ethereal, intensely aromatic style in the 2018. Bracing mineral and saline notes add a good deal of energy to round things out. Best of all, winemaker Jeff Stewart has succeeded in eliminating the gamy qualities that can make Fiddlestix Pinots feel a bit rustic.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Pinot Noir John Sebastiano Vineyard is another superb wine in this range. Rose petal, sweet red berry fruit, mint and blood orange bring out a bright, citrus driven set of aromas and flavors. On the palate, the John Sebastiano is gracious and translucent, but don't let that fool you, there is plenty of substance here.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Pinot Noir Nielson Vineyard is gorgeous. Deep and classically built, the Nielson is marked by a backbone of acids and tannin that gives it shape and feeling of drive. The Nielson is not as approachable today as many wines in the range are, but it offers superb focus in an understated style that needs time to fully emerge. Lavender, licorice, dried herbs, graphite and blueberry linger. This is such a pretty and expressive wine.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Pinot Noir Q Block Bien Nacido Vineyard is bright, effusive and full of character. A burst of sweet floral notes leads into a core of red/purplish berry fruit in a Pinot endowed with terrific energy and verve. Medium in body and super-expressive, the 2018 is incredibly vivid today. A closing flourish of floral and savory notes leave a lasting impression.

Santa Barbara: An In-Depth Look at the 2018sThe 2018 Syrah Ex Post Facto is bold and beautiful. Dark plum, blueberry, lavender, licorice and cloves give this dark sepia-toned Syrah much of its dark expression. Time in the glass brings out hints of citrus and black pepper that brighten up the flavor profile nicely. The 2018 has real depth and intensity, not to mention tons of character. Greg Brewer gave the 2018 45-60 days on the skins, with virtually all whole clusters, followed by 18 months in barrel.