The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2012 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast reveals copious notes of brambleberries and mountain berries, forest floor, spring flowers and spice. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a fleshy, succulent texture, good purity, and the oak pushed to the background, it should drink beautifully for 10-12 years. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it was sourced from the Halberg and Wayfarer vineyards.

Pahlmeyer’s 2011 Pinot Noir packs a serious punch. Rich and expressive, the 2011 wraps around the palate with considerable depth and volume. Clocking in at 14.9% alcohol, the 2011 is one of the bigger wines of the year. In that sense, it is not a typical 2011 Pinot, especially for the Sonoma Coast. With time in the glass, the alcohol becomes absolutely dominant, while the tannins show elements of bitterness and astringency, all of which suggest the wine was pushed too far. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Tel. (707) 255-2321

The 2010 Pinot Noir is surprisingly juicy for the vintage. Black cherries, spices and flowers burst from the glass in this deep, expressive Pinot. The wine reveals gorgeous depth and purity all the way through to the resonant finish. Winemaker Erin Green gave the Pinot 15 months in French oak barrels (67% new). The Pinot was neither fined nor filtered. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. These are two very pretty wines from Pahlmeyer and winemaker Erin Green. Tel. (707) 255-2321

The 2007 Pinot Noir benefits from serious aeration. Initially, it seems closed, but with coaxing, attractive pomegranate, black cherry, wild strawberry, and rhubarb-like fruit aromas jump from the glass of this dark ruby-hued Pinot. Medium-bodied with tart acids, good freshness, and an elegant finish, it is an excellent wine, but it just lacks a bit of complexity and depth. Pahlmeyer's Napa offerings were reviewed in issue #186, but they also produce two fascinating wines from the Sonoma Coast. Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786