Wine, Etc.: Spotlighting terrific pinot noirs from California!

Surely there never will be a satisfying conclusion to the argument over who has the best pinot noirs - Oregon or California. Both regions produce superior wines, however different stylistically.

 J Vineyards 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

WOW! J Vineyards & Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley); $35.  Wow, this is the most impressive regular pinot noir we've tasted from this producer. Very bright and generous fruit flavors of raspberries and black cherries with a dash of vanilla. 
By TOM MARQUARDT & PATRICK DARR, February 18, 2011