The 2008 Pinot Noir Wyeast Vineyard offers up aromas of violets, incense, and black fruits. Although the flavors are ripe and savory, the wine is slightly compact on the palate and with only moderate length. Drink this solid effort over the next 4-5 years. Owner/winemaker Peter Rosback presides at Sineann. His first vintage was 1995 and current production stands at 13,000 cases of vineyard designated wines from a range of AVAs. The current 2008 Pinot Noir releases are a paradox. The regular cuvees out-performed the two Reserve wines which were tannic and out-of-balance. The 2008 Pinot Noir Schindler Reserve and 2008 Pinot Noir Resonance Vineyard Reserve were both unusually tannic and out- of balance and could not be recommended.Tel. (503) 341-2698; www.sineann.com

The core of earthy, herbal red fruit is crisply defined, and seems to build power as it expands into a protracted finish. The wine layers in cinnamon, toast, and chocolate, without losing any of its tart fruit as it gently fades into a finish of wild raspberries and shaved dark chocolate.——P.G.(12/15/2009)—— 93