Red Car says 2012 was a great year in Sonoma for finicky Pinot Noir, with a long season of slow ripening because it never got too cold. (And the winery boasts bottles made from grapes grown in highly monitored cool-climate vineyards off the coast of the Pacific.) This Sonoma Coast Pinot is a blend from Red Car's most notable vineyards in Fort Ross, Freestone and Occidental, all of which maintain organic, biodynamic and sustainable growing practices. Medium bodied and velvety, with dry tannins that round out the fruity finish, it is downright alluring from start to finish. You'll get aromas of cherry and rose hip that flow into a slightly herbal taste with more cherry and raspberry. The grapes are hand sorted, fermented in open-top containers with native yeast, then aged 11 months in mostly neutral French oak, so this wine is really a product of its environment, with minimal manipulation. Just 69 cases were produced, so grab a bottle fast. tip of the tongue This Pinot Noir is worthy of an excellent meal, so bring it to a favorite BYO restaurant, or break it out when you're cooking something a little more elaborate than usual. Duck, tomato-based pasta sauces or mushroom-focused dishes (particularly chanterelles) would make a great match.