The 2009 Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Signature comes from their Sonoma Coast holdings. A medium ruby-hued, crisp, fresh, lively wine, it offers up aromas of cherries, root beer, underbrush and plums. This well-made, seductive, perfumed Pinot should drink well for 3-4 years. The flagship winery in the Ernest and Julio Gallo empire, the Gallo Family Vineyards has produced a bevy of delicious reds and whites. While I know many readers remember Gallo from the old days of hearty Burgundy and Chablis blanc, they have long been committed to high quality, which is evident in not only these wines but others from their huge portfolio of wine estates.Tel. (707) 433-2458

More seriously endowed, with darker fruits and less herbaceousness is the 2007 Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Signature. Exhibiting raspberry, black currant, and ripe cherry fruit intermixed with forest floor and mossy, autumnal earthiness, this medium-bodied Pinot should drink well for 7-8 years. This is an impressive group of wines from the gigantic Gallo Family Vineyards. Both shrewd readers looking for values as well as connoisseurs should check out these current and upcoming releases.Tel. (707) 433-2458

Their dark ruby-hued 2006 Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Signature offers attractive pomegranate, plum, and cherry notes intermixed with loamy soil and forest floor scents. A juicy, succulent texture, fresh acids, and no evidence of tannin or oak suggest this delicious, round, savory Pinot Noir should provide plenty of enjoyment over the next 2-3 years. Occasionally lost in the focus on the enormous size of the Gallo empire is how good many of their wines can be, not to mention a bevy of terrific values. The following cuvees are all sensational bargains. Pinot Noir is often over-priced because of the number of outrageously expensive red Burgundies in the marketplace. Hence, finding a good Pinot Noir for under $50, much less $20 is virtually impossible. Gallo has delivered what may be the finest bargain in Pinot Noir in the marketplace.Tel. (707) 433-2458