David Hill’s Pinot Noirs can be confusing—there is a regular Pinot, a Barrel Select Estate Pinot, an Estate Reserve Pinot and this Estate Pinot. Since 2007 was a light vintage, this may be a combination of the above; in any event it is nicely balanced, shows a lot of pine and spice and cola, with sharply defined acids and precise, crisp red fruits. ——P.G.(10/1/2009)—— 89

Fragrant, light and graceful, this inexpensive Oregon Pinot Noir does everything right. It does not try to be darker, riper, richer, or oakier than the grapes actually allow. The fruit is pleasing, with scents of cherry and rose petal, hints of pine, tart flavors of cranberry and lightly applied suggestions of earth and coffee. ——P.G.(10/1/2009)—— 88