The highlight among these new Pinot releases, Benovia’s 2010 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyards embodies the virtues of elegance and finesse. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and cinnamon burst from the glass. There is a sense of vitality and aliveness in the 2010 that is absolutely compelling, but at the same time, the Savoy remains feminine, light and pretty. The 2010 is all about harmony, and there is plenty of that here. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016. Tel. (707) 526-4441

On the sharp and lean side, showing sour red cherry candy, wintergreen and green peppercorn flavors, fattened with sweet oak. Dry and elegant, but not very rich. Drink up. ——S.H.(12/1/2011)—— 86