Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir features scents of spiced cranberries with tones of saddle leather, dried earth and orange peel. The palate is light-bodied and somewhat dilute with rustic flavors.

A great Pinot Noir to lead off with, the 2011 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands offers up upfront, voluptuous and supple aromas and flavors of bright cherries, forest floor and earth. This medium-bodied, textured effort is downright delicious and is hard to resist. Drink now-2017. This was a great lineup and while the Pinot Noirs were certainly outstanding, I was blown away by the Chardonnays. Tel. (800) 223-2533; www.bernardus.com

The 2010 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a pretty, accessible Pinot that shows the quality and personality of the appellation in its perfumed red fruit. This soft, supple Pinot makes a good introduction to the wines of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. This is a solid, consistent set of wines from Bernardus. Tel. (831) 659-1900; www.bernardus.com

Great price for a dry, crisply elegant Pinot Noir of this sophistication. It’s made in a lighter style, with a silky mouthfeel and interesting, complex cherry pulp and cherry skin, cola and pomegranate flavors. ——S.H.(5/1/2011)—— 90