The dark ruby/purple-colored 2000 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard possesses a gloriously sweet cherry-scented nose (hence the name of the vineyard en francais), as well as a premier cru Cotes du Beaune-like style with little complexity, but loads of fruit, admirable purity, and a fine finish. Drink this seductive, hedonistic Pinot over the next 5-6 years. Over the last few years, Siduri has garnered a high reputation for limited production, interesting, high quality Pinot Noirs made from some of California and Oregon's finest Pinot Noir vineyards. One might quibble over the number of offerings, but they are all individualistic efforts, even though they are treated much the same (i.e., aging in Francois Freres barrels - 15% to 65% new, little racking, and bottling without fining or filtration). Pricing is realistic for wines of such caliber.Tel. (707) 578-3882; Fax (707) 578-3884

This intensely extracted wine came off more like Port than Pinot to our tasters. Which isn’t to say that it lacks appeal. It opens with smoked meat, spice cake and grilled nut aromas. Fat blackberry-plum flavors, a plush, low-acid mouthfeel and a full tannic finish complete the Port profile. It’s tasty if overblown, and not what most people expect. Probably best paired with a cheese course.——W.E.(10/1/2002)—— 86