PINOT NOIR
97 Montagu 2021 Charles Heintz Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast). This dazzling wine is bright in aromas of red cherries, sour cherries and pine boughs that flow onto the palate, where a warm touch of dark plums adds breadth and ripeness. Super well-balanced and moderately tannic, the wine lingers on the finish. Best through 2030. Cellar Selection. —J.G.
abv: 14% Price: $75
97 Patz & Hall 2021 Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley). Floral aromas, black-fruit flavors and a broad but lively texture make this full-bodied wine impressive and delicious. Rose petals, violets, black cherries and ground cloves all play a role in the flavors, while moderate tannins and good acidity add a palate-cleansing quality. Best from 2025–2032. —J.G.
abv: 14.5% Price: $75
96 Patz & Hall 2021 Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast). Lively, nervy, appetizing nuances of raspberries and red cherries light up the aroma of this medium-bodied wine before just-ripe black cherries, cinnamon and grated ginger dance across the palate. Finely balanced and fresh with acidity, it is poised for a good, long life. Best from 2025–2032. —J.G.
abv: 14.5% Price: $65
95 El Lugar 2021 Rincon Vineyard Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo Coast). Very light-colored in the glass, this bottling manages to be both delicate and vivid. It starts with aromas of pomegranate, crumpled rose petals and shaved fennel bulb on the nose. The palate is bright with pomegranate and watermelon flavors, as anise and white peppercorn touches add subtle depth. —M.K.
abv: 13.6% Price: $60
A taut balance, fresh red and black fruits and tangy tannins give nerve and muscle to this firmly structured, young and ageworthy wine. Concentrated red and black cherries, raspberries, cedar and clove nuances. —J.G.
