Frei Brothers Reserve Pinot Noir 2014

Sure, Burgundy, New Zealand and Ontario are well known for producing pretty precious Pinot Noir. But California? Actually, yes. The Russian River Valley is a cool climate pocket in Sonoma very well-suited to Pinot Noir, spinning out spectacular versions such as this bottle that just hit shelves. Expect a lifted raspberry core laced with red licorice, violet, and pink peppercorn, and underpinned by a certain chalkiness that lingers on the finish. Sheer elegance. And very good value for money for what it is. Pour it with poultry pan-fried in butter with a few fingerling potatoes and some green beans. Score - 91. (Carolyn Evans Hammond, Toronto Star, March 11, 2018)