2014 A to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir

Oenophiles, or at least the wise ones, will be all over the 2014 pinot noirs from Oregon. But regular folks can get in on the fun, too, thanks to affordable standouts such as the 2014 A to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir ($20), from a cooperative venture involving some of the region's best winemakers sourcing from scores of vineyards. Talk about "drinking up": Lovely tannins and multilayered but seamless fruit flavors provide plenty of substance and succulence. The aromatics are heady, the texture earthy but silky, the finish surpassingly long and elegant. Bring on the roasted fowl and/or root veggies and winter squash, or just sip it al fresco and try not to think (too much) about how much more 2014 Oregon pinot you'll want to buy.

Available at Cotroneo's, Surdyk's, Chet's, Total, Liquor Boy, Morelli's, Vinifera and others.

Bill Ward