This is one of our favorites at a local wine bar, which they describe as a fruit and spice bomb. When I saw it in the LCBO I wondered why I missed it on WineAlign. Now I see why. OK, it is not exactly as subtle as a Prince Edward County pinot noir. But if you forget preconceptions of how pinot is supposed to taste, this is very pleasant indeed, and it grows on me as I drink more of it. This bottle is labeled 2013.

A distinctively California Pinot, which is to say, particularly given the presence of Santa Barbara and Monterey grapes alongside Sonoma, a thick and rich Pinot that is something of a departure from most other (earthy, more frugal) Pinots; strong smoky and spicy notes from the nose through the lingering finish, but some excellent red fruit emerges as well, particularly cherry, strawberry, and raspberry; certainly on the sweet side, with chocolate coming through amidst the fruit, but very pleasant and layered with enough complexity to avoid seeming monolithic.

Well well well, what a let down. Man what a pathetic effort. I really thought I'd give this another try and see if it's improved...and well, it's gotten even worse. This is $10 grocery store wine. Sweet and okay. Very short finish. Caramel cotton candy lingers. Sorry Joseph Wagner, you seem like a good winemaker but this stuff really sucks. $27.95 at the LCBO - robbery.