The red wines begin with the 2008 Pinot Noir Vat 10. It was 100% whole berry fermented in the style of Beaujolais and aged in tank. Medium ruby-colored, it offers up an attractive cherry and cranberry-scented nose leading to a wine with a racy personality, decent varietal character, good flavors, and a moderately long finish. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. The wines are discussed in the order in which they were presented by Stephen Webber, manager and winemaker of De Bortoli Wines.Importer: De Bortoli Wines USA, Hoboken, NJ; tel. (201) 714-9700

It’s light in body and lacking in texture, but this wine does offer identifiable Pinot character in its black cherry and roasted beet aromas and flavors. Finishes crisp.——J.C.(11/1/2009)—— 84