Sleek and taut, with cherry and licorice aromas and complex layers of raspberry, mineral and white pepper that linger toward big but plush tannins.

The 2014 Pinot Noir Hawks View Vineyard comes from several parcels around the namesake vineyard. Matured in 40% new French oak with 10% whole cluster, it has a pure bouquet with red cherries and crushed strawberry fruit that has a lovely floral aspect. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, quite plush in the mouth. It gently fans out with hints of clove and allspice, a gentle grip in the mouth with quite a sustained finish. This is a very finely made Pinot Noir.

Cherry pie aromas open to flavors of raspberry, cinnamon and spice.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon has cassis and dried mint on the nose, with chocolate, violets, crème de cassis and blackberry tart flavors. Full-bodied an opulently fruited, this is nonetheless a and very fresh Cabernet, possessing nice grainy tannins and great length.

The 2014 Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains comes from vines planted between 1981 and 1999. Matured with 35% whole cluster fruit, it has a tightly wound bouquet at first and needs some coaxing from the glass, eventually revealing wild mint and fennel scents that complement the black and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red cherry fruit, slightly grain in texture with a fresh, fennel tinged finish that displays good delineation.

The 2014 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley comes from four vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains and Zena Crown in Eola-Amity. Matured in 22% new oak, it has a very pure red cherry and cassis-scented bouquet with a touch of violet coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, plush tannin. There is a rounded texture here, the 10% whole cluster lending a little frisson towards the lightly spiced finish. This could have been a more impactful Pinot Noir, but I think winemaker Adam Lee's more prudent approach makes for a better wine. Great value to boot.

The 2014 Muirfield Vineyard Pinot Noir has a long history as a separate vineyard from Hawks View, but has since been absorbed even if the original fencing remains. The fruit here was fully destemmed and there is 35% new French oak. The fruit is darker than the Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir with mulberry complementing the brambly red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with orange zest and a tang of marmalade that tincture a supple core of red berries. The tannins gently grip the mouth, though it does not quite possess the persistence on the finish that I was anticipating. Still, overall this is a satisfying Pinot Noir that should age well over 7-10 years.

Pure baking spice and light hazelnut notes stand out, fading into light citrus and oak shadings, making this an elegant rendering.

Delicate citrus blossom scents make for an elegant, airy aroma. Somewhat subdued on the palate.

Winemaker Ted Edwards says this wine – and a pricey Rutherford cabernet -- are among the best he's ever made. No doubt, they have guts and glory. Well balanced and integrated, this blend of Bordeaux varietals has bright berry flavors and a dash of truffles and mocha.

Notes of chocolate-covered coffee bean add richness to the ripe blackberry and plum flavors, with fragrant details of dried violet and cigar box complementing the savory notes of meaty black olive on the finish. Shows plenty of intensity and focus, offset by fleshy tannins. Drink now through 2030.—M.W.

Notes of chocolate-covered coffee bean add richness to the ripe blackberry and plum flavors, with fragrant details of dried violet and cigar box complementing the savory notes of meaty black olive on the finish. Shows plenty of intensity and focus, offset by fleshy tannins. Drink now through 2030.—M.W.

I'm loving the trend toward lower alcohol levels in California Pinot Noir, especially in wines like this one that manage a plush texture and rich flavors with lively acidity and freshness all together in one glass. Black cherry, leaf, fall spice and a faint citric note are bright in aroma and flavor, and the finish is very long with a focus on the oak spice. It can be done.

A new project by Byron Vineyards, here is a find in the locatable, budget-friendly California Pinot Noir category. It's in the food friendly, moderately extracted style, and features tart red fruit, oak spice and tea aromas and flavors. It finishes lively and clean, leaving a pleasant toasty note lingering with the red fruit. This is a fish or fowl pairing wine where the recipe uses a lighter touch with the spice and sauce.

Aromas and flavors of black raspberries, tangerines and herbs, hearty and rich, long, fruity finish.

aromas and flavors of black plums and licorice, soft tannins, full body.

This earthy beauty from Byron's Nielson Vineyard shows notes of forest floor and cola, with dark fruits and spice and enough grip on the back end to suggest it will benefit from additional cellaring.

Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is flat out gorgeous filled with promising aromas of boysenberry and blackberry preserves with a wild, organic tone. Power to thrill, with a spellbinding core of dark fruits that envelope the palate and linger on the prodigious finish. Despite the fruit heft, the wine is welcoming with refined tannins, juicy acidity and a silky demeanor. A highly unique wine of uncommon provenance.

Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very special, offering hi-tone aromas of an array of purple fruits and spice. A little tight, but hinting at greatness, with an attack of purple and black fruits that attracts attention, continuing through a very generous finish. A sumptuous accent of spice and savory herbs adds nuance. Very seductive, with a silky smooth mouthfeel.

Darker golden color in the glass. Great scents of apple skin, moss, and citrus. Delicious flavors of lemon-lime and peach framed by bright acidity, expansive on the viscous palate, building in intensity through a glorious finish. The finish is uncommonly persistent for a Chardonnay.

Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Embracing aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate lead to a full-bodied wine balanced with muscular tannins and bright acidity. Flavors of anise and dried herbs augment the black cherry core. This wine will certainly improve with more time in bottle and prove to have age ability, but it is hard to resist now.

Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A complex wine of great interest, with aromas of cherry, berry, spice box and nutty oak, and a mid weight plus core of well-spiced red fruits. A seductive offering with a silky mouthfeel.

Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of peat and mulch with shy fruits on the nose. The hedonistic fruit in this well endowed wine is more expressive on the palate, offering waves of boysenberry and blackberry flavors accented with spice, dark chocolate and beef. Still somewhat primary, and almost overwhelming in intensity, with an overlay of oak and youthful tannins that need more time to integrate.

Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Thiol-driven aromas of dark red and black fruits with a modest oak overlay. Impressive mid palate presence with a luscious finish featuring dark red and black fruits framed by firm but not muscular tannins.

Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Oak-dusted dark red cherry and berry fruits are featured with complimentary notes of herbs and oakdriven vanillin, toast and nuts. Smoothly texture and juicy with fine-grain tannins and a determined finish.