Pinot Noir Gift List: 6 Sunset Picks for 2008

If Merlot is a Labrador Retriever, than Pinot Noir is Paris Hilton's teacup Chihuahua. A diamond collar, private car and driver is definitely in order.  It is a snobby grape that has to be perfect and handled with skill, or you can immediately taste it. 

My own husband loves Pinot Noir.  I'm often like a deer in the headlights once I'm in the store trying to pick a nice bottle for a gift.  I'm good with our usual everyday wine, but when I do want to spend the extra money for something special, I want it to be just that...special.

So here are Sunset's Pinot Noir Picks for 2008--just so that you and I can have it handy for the Pinot Noir lovers on our lists.

1.  Domaine Caneros Estate Pinot Noir (Caneros, $35)

2.  Elk Cove Pinot Noir 2006 (Willamette Valley, $29)

3.  Erath "Estate Selection" Pinot Noir 2006  (Dundee Hills, $36)

4.  Handley Pinot Noir 2006 (Mendocino County, $25)

5.  J Vineyards & Winery Robert Thomas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley, $65)

6.  Lynmar Pinot Noir 2006 (Russian River Valley, $40)