grape: Pinot Noir

producer: Wente Vineyards. They make a bunch of Pinots, and this is the Reliz Creek one.

country: USA

region: Arroyo Seco in Monterey, CA – a very good AVA for Pinots because it’s pretty cool

year: 2009

price: $22 – perfect price for this wine

yum factors: This has the typically cherry Pinot flavors, though subtle and not mouth-punching with it. Some earth, some oak, and all in balance too. The thing that really gets you going is how smooth it is, like smooooooooooth smooth. It made me very happy.

buy it: here