Pino Cellars Oregon Pinot Noir 2014

I tend to be suspicious of "looky" labels that make it seem that a winery is investing as much in marketing as in the wine itself. Happily, the Pino Cellars Oregon Pinot Noir 2014 ($16) delivers the goods. It's not a complex wine ($16 pinot noirs rarely are), but it complements a fresh, ripe nose with fresh, ripe — and quite tasty — fruit. This cherry/berry treat is the kind of crowd-pleaser that should delight party hosts and guests. It also would pair well with Oregon pinot noir's best pal, salmon, along with roasted fowl, winter squash and hearty pastas.

Available at Total (Bloomington, Chanhassen and Woodbury), Mendota, Buffalo munis, Arbor Pointe, Haskell's, Sundial and others.

Bill Ward