Claiborne Churchill 2007 Pinot Noir Edna Valley 

Recently I recommended this winery’s Runestone reserve Pinot, which was early for a young wine, because there was little of it and I wanted my readers to find it soon. But I was equally impressed by the estate Pinot Noir, more Californian than the reserve Burgundian version. This ripe and fruity wine offers strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry aromas and flavors, highlighted with nuances of French oak, vanilla, and spice. The king of red wines when it comes to food, it’s quite versatile with ahi, salmon, beef, or lamb. It’s a fabulous deal at only $26 retail at the tasting room in Edna Valley.