87 "One Puff" CASTLE ROCK WINERY Pinot Noir Mendocino County 2008
Year in and year out, Castle Rock leads the way with value priced Pinot Noir, and while not every wine works out in every vintage, there is nevertheless no one else that delivers the same rewards for the money as this outfit. Among the new releases, this one is our favorite for its medium ripe black cherry focus and decent, somewhat rounded and accessible feel on the palate. It is one to keep front of mind for everyday drinking. GOOD VALUE $12.00

86 CASTLE ROCK WINERY Pinot Noir Napa County 2008
Not far behind in quality is the Napa County bottling although it goes off in a somewhat different direction with boysenberry and cranberry aromas set against a touch of a funky, leathery overlay. Supple to start, then noticeably tougher than its mates in palatal impressions, it has the stuff to stand up to grilled meats. GOOD VALUE [est $12.00]

85 CASTLE ROCK WINERY Pinot Noir California Cuvee 2008
Okay, it''s direct, a little on the grapey side and fairly soft on the palate. No one is going to accuse it of challenging for a place in the cellar, but it is also tasty in an upfront way and comes with enough cherry character to suggest its varietal heritage. GOOD VALUE [est $10.00]

85 CASTLE ROCK WINERY Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2008
Redolent of a bit of the cranberry fruit that also shows up in the Castle Rock Napa bottling above, this one is otherwise light and simple with a touch of candy to its overall fruit center. Not quite fully focused on Pinot Noir range and richness but quite likeable as an easy red for simple grilled meats, it too works at the price. GOOD VALUE [est. $12]