The 2010 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) naturally comes across as rich and fleshy next to the August West Pinots from Santa Lucia Highlands. Dark red cherries, spices, flowers and menthol flesh out nicely in the glass. Ultimately, though, this is a fairly soft, feminine style for Russian River. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Winemaker Ed Kurtzman describes 2010 as a year with a very cold summer, and frequent periods of fog and drizzle that led him to believe the fruit would never ripen. It did, of course, and these are very pretty wines, especially the Pinots.Tel. (415) 225-2891; www.augustwestwine.com

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

Two very strong Pinot Noirs from this small artisinal winery, the 2008 Santa Lucia Highlands displays boysenberry and blueberry fruit with some raspberries, damp earth, and floral notes. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has sweet, silky tannins, beautifully pure, layered fruit, and a long, lush finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Tel. (415) 225-2891; Fax (415) 668-1906