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Pinot Noir Buying Guide

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Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir can be hard to find. The following new-release wines are available in top wine shops.

1999 Flowers Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir
($40) Made from the grapes of four vineyards, this wine has spicy, wild-cherry aromas and flavors and a silky texture.

1999 W. H. Smith Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard
($36) This delicately structured wine possesses elegant floral, citrus, mineral and cherry notes. Light in color, it is nonetheless full-flavored, with a long finish.

1999 Littorai Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard
($50) This full-bodied Pinot is an intriguing blend of cherries and herbs, with a luscious, velvety texture and a firm, tangy backbone.

1999 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
($33) This very drinkable wine is a blend of grapes from two vineyards, one located in the high country, one near the coast. The combination produces a wine with rich plum, cedar and spice aromas and smooth-textured cherry, anise and toast flavors.