What to Drink Now: Pinot Noir

I am often asked what my favorite wine is, a tough question for a wine lover as a favorite truly depends on the circumstances of how you are enjoying it. The answer can change on any given day. However, the wine I would be completely happy drinking for the rest of my life would be a Pinot Noir. Though many varieties express their sense of place with ease, perhaps no other does so as well as Pinot Noir — which can be enjoyed with light to heavy dishes, fish to beef, soup to salad. Here are a few stand outs that I have tried recently, some selections were sent for editorial consideration...

Combining fruit from both Russian River and the Sonoma Coast, with completely native fermentation Pahlmeyer has created an expressive representation of the region with both complexity and freshness, concentrated, black and red fruit melding with bright acidity for an approachable, yet hearty Pinot Noir. Ripe red berry and cherry, earthy forest floor notes, sweet nutmeg and clove spice, vanilla and balsamic fill the expressive wine, lingering till the end with a velvety finish. $75, available via their website.