Mondavi's Pinot Noirs are all well-made, with the Reserve the finest. The 1996 Pinot Noir Carneros offers a dark plum color, followed by a rich, generous jammy cherry nose with spice and minerals in the background. The wine is medium-bodied and crisp, with good balance. Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI; Fax (707) 963-1007.

Mondavi's Pinot Noirs are all well-made, with the Reserve the finest. The dark ruby-colored 1996 Pinot Noir Napa offers spicy, sweet, cranberry, and red currant fruit, subtle oak, and meaty flavors suggestive of plant material, herbs, and cherries. It is an attractive, straightforward Pinot Noir to drink over the next 4-5 years. Tel. (707) 259-9463 and (800) MONDAVI; Fax (707) 963-1007.

Rustic and ready, this is the type of Pinot Noir the consumer deserves. Not terribly complicated and still affordable, it delivers plenty of spicy fruit with toasty, leathery notes. The flavor and finish are right on. Earthy, leafy and fairly classy. Drink now.——M.S.(6/1/1999)—— 88