From clones 115 and 777 at a property directly behind the Kistler winery, the 2014 Pinot Noir Ewald Vineyard is a small cuvée that displays attractive sweet and sour cherry fruit, some pomegranate, adequate acidity, light tannin, and a seductive, lush mouthfeel. This is an endearing Pinot Noir to drink over the next 5-6 years.

Similarly styled in a soft, sexy way, the medium ruby-colored 2014 Pinot Noir Lingenfelder Vineyard comes from heritage clones such as Pommard and Martini grown in a cool site in the Russian River Valley. The wine displays pleasant allspice notes intermixed with black cherry fruit, some sassafras, soft tannins and medium body. It is ready to drink already and should continue to evolve nicely for another 3-5 years.

Pinots from this appellation are often drawn along tighter lines, and, while teasing at first with suggestions of black cherries and cola in the nose, this one very much fits the model and proves to be fairly taut and compact on the palate. Its acidy pertness will appeal to many right now, but it is just edgy enough to argue for another year or two of age.

Here is a wine of two very mixed minds in that it starts out fairly ripe and slightly viscous, but somewhere in mid-palate, it takes an unexpected turn to acidy tightness and winds up both a bit stiff and hot at the end. Through it all, however, it shows a steady measure of raspberry- and cherry-like fruit, and, if a little at war with itself at the moment, it will relax and knit together far better if allowed even a brief bit of age.

Dense, fairly backward and clearly governed by ripeness, this one is more about richness than defined fruit. It sacrifices beauty for brawn and is waylaid by palpable heat at the finish, yet in spite of its wholesale lack of grace and refinement, it is a Pinot Noir whose impressions of plenty are sure to find favor with fans of extract and size.

If fairly likeable stuff and a wine that goes right down the middle of the varietal road, this bottling correctly evokes the cherry-like fruit of Pinot Noir but is never as deep or as layered as Siduri’s best efforts. It is moderately full-bodied and firmed by late-arriving acidity, and it comes with modest promise for better with time.

Mildly brushy in scent as Pinot Noir sometimes can be and drawn along slightly lighter, less obvious ripe lines, the Bucher Vineyard bottling is a firmly balanced, mid-sized version that is a bit staid in its expression of fruit. It intimates dryness without drying out and is quietly persistent at the finish, and, if always a bit modest when it comes to richness, it still earns recommendation for its teasing complexity.

Light and sleek, with pretty raspberry and apricot flavors on a polished frame, lingering gently.

The 2015 Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) is dark, plump and juicy, all of which make it a good choice for drinking now and over the next year or two. Black fruit, chocolate and cloves contribute to an impression of darkness and, at times, also heaviness.

There is nothing shy or retiring about this wine, and it goes right to the limit in terms of high ripeness, but even as it teeters on going over the edge, it is pulled back from the dangerous brink by its ample blackberry and blueberry fruit. That fruit is tested on the latter palate by both high alcohol and astringency, yet it never gives up the fight and it keeps the wine from descending into raisiny desiccation. That said, this is not a “spaghetti red” for pouring with simple, marinara-sauced pastas, and it needs to be saved as a foil for much heartier fare, preferably once a couple of years have passed.

The 2014 Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) is a soft, forward wine ideal for drinking young. Tobacco, herb, smoke and dark plum fruits are among the signatures. Ellsbury and Limerick Lane, both at the northern end of the Russian River next to Dry Creek, are the two main sites here, and that is what comes through; the darker, riper side of Zinfandel. This is a delicious wine for the money.

Juicy and bright, with a refreshing note of acidity that runs through the lemongrass, melon, citrus and green apple flavors, featuring plenty of appealing herbal accents on the finish. Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.

The 2015 Pinot Noir Clone 667 from Nielson (which describes itself as "native of Dijon, France") offers up aromas of smoky red and black fruit, licorice and new oak, followed by a medium-bodied palate with fine tannins but an abrupt, fluid finish.

Nielson's 2014 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley (10% whole clusters and aged 14 months in 20% new French oak) has plenty of fruit and texture, with subtle oak and licorice notes in its medium-bodied, charming and straightforward personality. It's a touch chunky, but enjoyable.

Moving to the reds and offering good Pinot Noir typicity, for not much buck, the 2014 Pinot Noir from Nielson offers forward notes of cherries, strawberries, spice and dried herbs in a medium-bodied, supple, thoroughly enjoyable package. Drink it over the coming couple of years.

Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of wood-kissed cherries lead to an easy drinking, cherry-flavored wine with accents of black tea, a flowery infusion and oak. Nothing serious or contemplative, but a solid everyday wine with nicely integrated tannins and acidity.

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

Concentrated, dry and rather full bodied, this substantive wine offers green-apple and floral aromas, ripe apple and kiwi flavors and a soothing mouthfilling texture.

This very pale straw Pinot Grigio from Murphy Goode opens with a gentle white peach, tangerine and grapefruit rind bouquet. It is medium bodied, rather simple and round, with crisp acidity. It displays citrus and peach pit flavors along with mild minerality. Its moderate finish contains hints of pineapple. Enjoy this Pinot Grigio with Maryland crab cakes. 87 points. Very good.

The red berry and cherry flavors are clean-tasting and well-defined in this snappy style. Spicy finish.

Lean and clean, this simple, peppery pinot is gentle and a touch sweet. For beef stew.

Murphy-Goode is a solid label offering consistent quality Pinot for around $20. The style is round, juicy and easy drinking, with earthy, cherry, compost, spicy notes with a touch of oak. Ready to drink and designed for fun. Simply add your favourite pizza.

Lime and grapefruit aromas lead to crisp, dry and fresh citrus flavors in this medium-bodied and tautly balanced wine with a lively personality.

Well made in a light, easy style, this wine has classic aromas like dried cherry and cinnamon, and dry, appetizing flavors like sour cherry and rhubarb. It will make a great house wine at this reasonable price.

Weekend Wine Picks Murphy-Goode is a round, juicy, easy-drinking Pinot with a cherry, compost, spicy nose. The attack is Pinot sweet and round with earthy, cherry, beet root flavours and a twist of oak. Simple, soft and fun to drink with no complication. Perfect for pizza and chicken dishes. 87 points.