Pinot Noir is such an alluring wine that, once discovered, becomes an instant favorite among many of our customers. As I see it, they are drawn to Pinot Noir by earthy aromas like dried leaves, truffle, and aged forest woods, as well as red berry flavors of cherry and plum. This is a wine of soft tannic structure that seems so well paired with meals like roasted pork and grilled lamb chops. One of my store favorites is Castle Rock Pinot from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. This cool climate region produces great USA Pinots - right soil and perfect growing conditions. This is a wine that is not easy to make well and can be expensive to buy. Castle Rock has everything right - great taste and solid varietal character, yet priced low for the excellent red wine in this bottle. Lush dark fruit notes with some black tea and toasty spiciness on the finish. - Bill McCleary