The 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River displays loamy, earthy, sassafras and beet root vegetable notes as well as a distinctive spicy, herbal style. Medium-bodied with a more muscular/masculine style than the 2008 Los Carneros, the Russian River Pinot will benefit from another 6 months of bottle age and should last for 3-4 years. La Crema is an excellent value winery owned by Jess Jackson with an impressive group of winemakers, including Melissa Stackhouse. Tel. (800) 314-1762; Fax (707) 571-1448

Tasted in a flight of more expensive Pinot Noirs, this beauty did just fine. It’s an absolutely lovely wine to drink now. Dry and silky, with refreshing acidity, it offers complex berry, cherry, cola, spice and oak flavors. Easy to find, with 4,700 cases produced.——S.H.(11/1/2010)—— 90