As we’ve frequently said, wine always tastes better when it’s shared. This past Christmas, my brother and his wife gifted us a bottle of A to Z Pinot Noir.  It is one of their go-to wines, and after tasting it, I completely understand why!

Founded in 2002, A to Z Wineworks is the fastest growing winery in Oregon.  The name A to Z refers to the fact their wines are sourced from various Oregon wineries, and the wines are crafted to be the essence of Oregon rather than reflect a specific single vineyard.  

Their 2009 Pinot Noir is deeply colored and smells of minerals, red and black cherries, and spice. In the mouth, it opens up with rich flavors of boysenberry and plum fruits, and dusty tannins.  It finishes with ripe acidity and tannic structure.  This is definitely a wine that fits my “ingredients to dessert” label.  It was quite enjoyable on its own, with dinner, and we finished the bottle off after our meals were complete! Wine Spectator recommends drinking it now through 2014.

Besides the yumminess, this wine has two other great characteristics – screw cap and under $20!  It is pretty widely distributed, and can be found at BevMo (~$19) and Specs (~$16). Pick up a bottle ~ you’ll enjoy!