Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is one of the releases that only goes out to distribution and isn’t offered on the mailing list. It’s a textbook wine from this estate and is ideal for readers looking to understanding the style of this estate. Wild strawberry, violets, and forest floor aromas and flavors, medium body, light tannin, and a charming, layered, balanced style all make for a brilliant Russian River Pinot Noir to drink over the coming 4-5 years.

Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Wester Reach sings of ripe black cherries, red plums, red currants and cranberry sauce with touches of violets, cinnamon stick, spearmint and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tantalizing red and black berry layers with a satiny texture and oodles of freshness, finishing long and earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown