This is restrained to the point that only aggressive swirling coaxes the otherwise cool and pure mix of red cherry liqueur, violet and plum aromas to reveal themselves. There is excellent volume to the broad-shouldered and well-concentrated medium weight plus flavors that possess a caressing mouth feel, all wrapped in a dusty and palate coating finish where once again hints of warmth and bitter cherry appears. This is almost robust and will appeal more to those who enjoy power pinot.

This young wine is finding its way, tight and grippy still, with a strong sense of oak and tannin. Leathery and savory, with a suggestion of the rustic, it offers a crispness of black cherry and plum on the finish. Drink now after a slight decanting.

2012 Siduri Pinot Noir Six Years Later: Suspended in Time October 27, 2012 88, August 2018 90 Note: Very appealing now with waves of fresh black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors, a silky texture and admirable balance.

Damp forest floor give this wine a strong character of earthiness and wintery, savory notes, surrounded by intense black cherry, oak and firm, sizable tannins. Enjoyable now, the wine also shows promise for the future, able to relax through 2020.

From an unusual site long sourced by the producer, this vintage carries through in terms of intensity of flavor. Black tea and spice-tinged pomegranate surround a weighty structure of velvety tannins. Explosive dark cherry and raspberry complete the picture.

2012 Siduri Pinot Noir Six Years Later: Suspended in Time April 19, 2014, 91, August 2018 90 Note: Somewhat woody/oaky nose prevents higher score.

There’s an intensity of cola-cinnamon spice and clove within the aromas and flavors of this single-vineyard designate, intriguing invites to explore further. Pure, crisp and focused raspberry and earth follow, with a subtle use of oak that allows the fruit and varietal exoticness to speak.

For reasons unknown, this year's Shea designate does not have the same concentration as past vintages. The blackberry fruit is accented with orange peel and pekoe tea, and finishes with drying, astringent tannins. Ample aeration is recommended.

Though clearly aimed at a super reserve tier, the Pas de Nom doesn't quite deliver the goods. At first taste it's a stiff, earthy wine, with herbal flavors of seed and stem competing with its medium-bodied blackberry fruit. It was given just 10 months in roughly one-third new French oak. Ample aeration is recommended.

Lynn Penner-Ash's pinot noirs, typically plush and ample, gain their mineral edges from the shallow soils and wind barrage at Zena Crown. This wine starts off dark and velvety, with a purple core of fruit that lightens with air as the flavors become leaner, more mineral and more elegant. It still has some baby fat and could use some time in the cellar before serving with herbed pork loin.

Deep ruby color. Aromas of cool raspberries, black cherries, dusty earth, some rhubarb and rose petals. Medium-full-bodied with suave tannins and moderate acidity, the black cherry and sweet raspberry fruit is chewy but fresh. I get elements of eucalyptus, rose petal, sweet violets, hints of cedar and clove. Bold but vibrant, and a great intro this producer’s excellent Pinot Noirs.

The nose is an elderberry and fig/chocolate with shadings of sassafras and violet. The palate is precise in its entry. Dark fruits predominate with notes of spice and florals finishing with slightly waxy feel.

Moderate garnet color in the glass. This nose is entirely seductive over time, exhibiting aromas of black cherry, fertile soil and warm spices. A very forward and friendly wine featuring middleweight flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruits that have an expansive presence in the mouth and finish with stellar length. There is a significant tannic backbone and the right touch of nutty oak.

This dark red colored Pinot Noir from Oregon opens with a very inviting bouquet of plum with a hint of black raspberry and tea. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and nicely balanced between its acidity and fruit. The flavor profile is a tasty red plum with hints of red cherry, black pepper and milk chocolate. The finish is dry and its flavors and mild tannins drift away nicely. I would pair this very nice Pinot with a grilled salmon burger or a rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic.

Dark and spicy, this plush red reflects a warm site in a warm vintage. The flavors are round, grounded by a light dusting of tannins. Some cellar time should bring the wine a bit more gravitas.

Oregon: Pinot Still King Even In Hot 2015 and 2014 Vintages Rose petals, oranges, ivy, nutmeg, mocha and some forest floor. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.

Firm and focused, with dense blackberry, mineral and pepper flavors that persist against prickly tannins as the finish lingers.

Firm and focused, with juicy blackberry and cherry fruit. Peppery tannins are sprinkled through the open-weave, deftly wrought finish.

Broad and spicy, with nutmeg and paprika overtones to the dark berry flavors, finishing with generosity but not excess weight.

Tightly wound raspberry fruit is the dominant flavor here, with slightly chalky, lemony acids wrapping up the finish. It's a pleasant, fresh wine, a bit lighter than the other designates, and best enjoyed over the next couple of years.

Bright violet. Primary black and blue fruit, peppery spice and floral scents show good clarity and pick up a smoky nuance with air. Juicy, focused and lively on the palate, offering gently sweet blueberry and cherry flavors and a palate-numbing suggestion of cracked pepper. Lingers nicely on the finish, which features dusty tannins and a hint of jammy blue fruit.

Medium purple color. Tart black cherries and plum aromas with some smoky, pepper, earthy notes along with tar, sweet violets and coffee. Silky on the palate but structured with medium acidity and tannins. Tangy black currants and crunchy plum fruit blends so well with pepper, black olive and tar, but I also flower pot and violet petals, some incense sticks. Good now but I’d cellar this for a few years or give it time because it really opens up and gets smooth and expressive.

Delicate and pretty with star fruit and lychee nut aromas and supple, oily apricot and lemon flavors that glide along the finish.