Oregon pinot noirs are now world-famous. One usually finds them in the McMinnville/Portland area up in the northern part of the state, but there is a hidden gem in southern Oregon, near California. It's the Rogue River AVA area. There you will find Del Rio Vineyards, a 205-acre family-owned estate. Del Rio supplies grapes to a number of excellent wineries. They also produce their own wines. The 2010 Pinot Noir is striking; a beautiful voluptuous nose and creamy, mouth-filling berries put this wine geek in a happy place. This wine carries itself well on the palate with precise definition and weight. Match it up with rich pastas or pork roasts. Cheers! Costs about $25.
-- Mike McVittie reviews locally available wines
Anchorage