The 2009 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is gorgeous. This flashy, undeniably attractive Pinot shows off layers of plump red fruit, flowers and spices, with striking mid-palate pliancy and an inviting finish. It is a terrific value in Pinot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. August West is a partnership between Gary Franscioni, Ed Kurtzman and Howard Graham. The wines are delicate, see relatively low levels of new oak and are bottled without fining or filtration. Most of the wines are made from Franscioni’s Rosella’s Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands but I have included notes on the Russian River bottlings for ease of reference.Tel. (415) 225-2891; www.augustwestwine.com