It’s all about ripe fruit and jaunty acidity in this dry, savory Pinot Noir. Raspberries, cherries and cola are the flavors that finish sweetly dry and spicy. Drink now.——S.H.(3/1/2012)—— 86

The generic and least expensive Pinot Noir, the 2008 Santa Maria, is a user-friendly, yet seriously endowed Pinot Noir with loads of fruitcake, roasted herbs, black cherry, and plum notes. The wine has a dark plum color, deep, lush flavors, and succulence and fleshiness that are totally seductive. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (805) 934-4700; Fax (805) 938-1581