It had been a few years since I had tasted DePonte’s flagship Pinot noir, so I had admittedly modest expectations for the 2012. I took it home to see how it paired with dinner. Opening it without fanfare I poured, smelled, sipped, then walked out of the kitchen, in disbelief at how good it was.

I didn't want to prejudice my partner so I nonchalantly handed her the glass; her eyes widened as she put it to her nose, then exclaimed "I could eat this with a spoon!" My thoughts exactly. We had to hide the bottle from ourselves to keep from finishing it all that night. Ultra-inviting aromas, gorgeous and generous fruit, a minute-long finish. Paired perfectly with stuffed squash, by the way. Already drinking superbly, with a cellar life of 6-10 years.