2012 Fess Parker Pinot Noir Ashley's Vineyard

Bright ruby. Brooding aromas of cherry compote, blackberry and smoky minerals, with a peppery nuance adding vibrancy. Brighter red fruit flavors are complicated by candied licorice, Asian spices and an exotic cured meat nuance. In a burly style, finishing with good chewy persistence, dusty tannins and lingering dark berry and licorice notes.

More Burgundian in style, with notions of forest floor, spring flowers, dried spice and both red and black fruit, the 2012 Pinot Noir Ashley's Vineyard was fermented with 20% whole clusters and spent 16 months in 47% new French oak prior to bottling. Grippy and energetic on the palate, with terrific purity of fruit, it has a touch of oak to integrate, yet will have upward of a decade of longevity. This lineup, made by Blair Fox, is packed with outstanding wines. Most represent superb values. Tel. (800) 841-1104; www.fessparkerwines.com

Black cherry, plum, spice and French oak are some of the notes that inform the 2012 Pinot Noir Ashley's. This is another overt, racy Pinot built on expressive fruit and soft, enveloping texture. The soft, pliant finish is especially of note. In 2012, this site, now known as Las Hermanas, was picked over more than three weeks.