This highly-rated and enormously successful Carneros Pinot Noir was sensational at more than a couple 4th of July barbeques, and it will be better between now and the holiday season. Those with patience and a cellar will be even happier... don't miss it!

2004 Donum Carneros Pinot Noir ($49.99)

95 points and 3 Puffs from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Concentrated black-cherry fruit is liberally seasoned with sweet, slightly toasty oak in this complete and deeply drawn opus, and the wine shows the fleshy, slightly velvety feel that comes only with the best Pinot Noir. Its complex flavors of minerals, cherries and nutmeg-like spice are firmed by the right mix of acids and tannins, and, although a touch hot, its insistent finish is very long on and generously endowed with wonderfully well-focused fruit. There is plenty to like now, but a bit of time in the bottle will see this one through to better yet." (June 2007)