Pinot noir is an ellusive grape. It can result in the finest of wines. It can very often fall short. It is winemaking's Holy Grail. Not unlike '101 Dalmations," the following series reveals my 101 favorite pinot noirs tasted over the past year. There are no dogs among them.

Acacia Pinot Noir, Carneros 2002
Price $20
Rating 94
Aromas of bright red cherry and cinnamon spice are followed by flavors of dark, complex fruit with a lilt of decaying leaves and mushroom/mineral.

Allan Scott Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2001
Price $19
Rating 90
Charming aromas of black and red cherry, then flavors of delicate black cherry with nice crispness, along with a touch of lime peel in the good length.

Anapamu Pinot Noir, Monterey 2000
Price $16
Rating 91
Aromas of dark, almost raisin-like fruit are followed with flavors of spritzy red liqourish, red cherry, anise and crisp orange.

Barnet Pinot Noir "Sleepy Hollow" Santa Lucia Highlands 2001
Price $35
Rating 90
Deep dark, grapey aromas of black cherry and exotic Asian-like spice, then flavors of delicate red cherry, black cherry and dark earth hints.

Barthod "Les Bons Batons" Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2001
Price $19.99
Rating 90
There are bright flavors of red fruit, cherry and subtle earth. Mineral resounds in the finish.

Beaulieu Vineyard Pinot Noir "Reserve" Carneros 1999
Price $25
Rating 92
Earth inspired aromas of red cherry and, maybe, cranberries followed by flavors of mature dark fruit, raisin, decaying forest and mushroom/mineral. This very serious pinot deserves serious food, perhaps salmon steak, light on the spice with an egg based sauce.

Bouchaine Pinot Noir, Carneros 2000
Price $24
Rating 91
Glorious aromas of red and black cherry are followed by flavors of black cherry laced with topical elements such as lime.

Bouchaine Pinot Noir, Carneros 2001
Price $24
Rating 93
Complex, earthy and forest derived aromas of decaying leaves and earthy black cherry followed by more ponderous flavors of black cherry, freshly-tilled earth and more forest elements.

Bouchaine Pinot Noir "Gee Vineyard" Carneros/Napa Valley 2000
Price $50
Rating 94
Spiced inspired aromas of black cherry and mineral, and then there are flavors of cheerful red and black cherry, licourish, strawberry jam, complex spice and beautiful mineral elements.

Bouchaine Pinot Noir "Gee Vineyard" Carneros/Napa Valley 2002
Price $50
Rating 93
Lots of mineral laced with black cherry in the nose, followed by flavors of red cherry, strawberry, spice, rich camembert and more lean mineral.

Buchli Station Pinot Noir, California 2002
Price $10
Rating 87
Soft, velvety aromas and flavors of black cherry and spice.

Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir, British Columbia 1999
Price $45
Rating 91
Gamey aromas and flavors of red cheryy, cranberry, meaty butcher shop complexities and lean minerals are all in this pinot.

Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir, British Columbia 2000
Price $45
Rating 90
Shrillish flavors of cranberry and red fruit start things out then the wine sort of opens up in your mouth.

Byron Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Vallet 2000
Price $20.99
Rating 94
A nose full of thick, luxurious red and black fruit, then flavors complex red fruit with exotic spice and subtle oak nuances.

Castle Rock Pinot Noir, Russian River 2002
Price $13
Rating 86
Fruit forward aromas of strawberry jam and lots of spice, then flavors of very ripe strawberry and red cherry with a touch of cinnamon follow.

Chalone Vineyards Pinot Noir, Chalone 2000
Price $27
Rating 92
Rich aromas of red and black cherry, then flavors of dark fruit perectly balanced with toasted oak, in the long elegant length.

Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA 2001
Price $27
Rating 91
Subtle aromas of mineral and black cherry are followed by flavors of mineral, dark fruit and brier-patch fruit.

Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2002
Price $19
Rating 90
This zesty red sings boysenberry with smoked bacon. It is a breakfast delight of flavors crafted into a dinner wine. There are concentrated, complex fruits with a good balance of oak and smoke.

Chehalem Pinot Noir "3 Vineyard" Willamette 2001
Price $22
Rating 93
Aromas of dark fruit and a good deal of oak influence, then flavors of concentrated dark fruit, appealing hints of freshly tilled earth, and lingering oak in the long, complex length.

Cosentino, Crystal Valley Cellars Pinot Noir, California 2001
Price $16
Rating 96
The powerful nose is packed with nutmeg, anise and black cherry preserves. The flavors are very spice driven with bright red fruit elements thoughout. This fun, assertive pinot will pair well with equally assertive food recipes. The length is long and complex with charming floral elements.

Crosspoint Pinot Noir, Monterey 2001
Price $16
Rating 91
Deeply concentrated nose with lots of dark fruit elements, then complex flavors of mulberry, brier and luscious black cherry. This wine is a fruit bomb.

Crichton Hall Pinot Noir, Napa Valley/Carneros 2000
Price $35
Rating 94
Complex aromas of strawbery jam atop camembert cheese, rich and regal, followed by flavors of black cherry, strwberry jam, exotic spice and more cherry in the long finish.

Crossroads Pinot Noir Classic, Hawkes Bay 2001
Price $28
Rating 91
"This wine displays the charm of pinot noir with its delicate flavours of cherry and plum supported by nuances of earthiness and mushroom," says general manager Noel Scanlon. "The generally cooler growing season of 2002 suited pinot noir. The wine displays charm with its delicate flavors of red berries and cherry supported by nuances of toasty oak."

Daniel Shuster Pinot Noir, Omihi Hills Vineyard "Selection" Waipara, New Zealand 2000
Price $45
Rating 90
A subtle, mineral nose is followed by flavors of diverse red fruit flavors. There is cranberry, sharp cherry and maybe some herbal bay leaf in the good length.

David Bruce Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2001
Price $25
Rating 92
Vibrant aromas of red cherry and subtle root beer are followed by flavors of black cherry, a dusting of coca powder, sassafras and delicate earthiness within the long length.

Domaine Alfred Califa Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 1999
Price $46
Rating 94
Aromas of subtle dark fruit, coffee, and bay leaf, then flavors of cranberry, red cherry, strawberry and spice within the long length.

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger Pinot Noir, Carneros 2000
Price $27
Rating 94
Powerful aromas of earthy garden soil with a spectacular spectrum of concentrated red and black fruit.

Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir, Carneros 2000
Price $29
Rating 94
The nose is ominous with deep, dark fruit layered in earthiness and complexity, then flavors that paint the palate. A complex array of black cherry, brier, cherry cola, mulberry and more lead off in the sip. The length is long with dark chocolate and a bit of spicy leather. The oak is apparent, but in seamless balance.

Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir, Carneros 2001
Price $29
Rating 92
Aromas of mineral and black cherry are followed by flavors of tannic, complex fruit. This pinot is not shy.

Domaine Serene "Evestad" Reserve, Willamette 2000
Price $53
Rating 95
Aromas of truffles, blackberry and anise/Asian spice, then powerful flavors of concentrated red cherry, leather, earth influence along with more complex truffle.

Edmeades Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2000
Price $20
Rating 94
Bold, inviting aromas of complex cherry jam with wintergreen herbs and spice are followed with flavors of black cherry, strawberry jam, menthol and lean, earthy mineral.

Edna Valley Pinot Noir "Paragon" Edna Valley 2001
Price $16
Rating 91
Velvety aromas of complex dark fruit, then flavors of red cherry and a hint of earth through the good length.

Edna Valley Pinot Noir "Paragon" San Luis Obispo 2002
Price $17
Rating 95
Subtle aromas of mineral are followed by creamy flavors of red and black cherry, mineral, fresh-tilled earth and subtle dried herb. This pinot is very complex.

Elke Pinot Noir "Donnelly Creek Vineyard" Anderson Valley 2000
Price $23
Rating 90
Beautiful dark fruit and subtle forest floor aromas, then flavors of rich black cherry, cola and delicate spice are found in this pinot noir.

Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir, Napa 1999
Price $34
Rating 93
This velvet hammer of a red wine is packed with spicy red fruit and an array of exotic complexity.

Etude Pinot Noir Carneros 2000
Price $40
Rating 95
Seamless and powerful aromas of intense, dark fruit with a lilt of refined leather, then flavors of intense black cherry, zesty cola nuances, leather and freshly-tilled dark earth. The length is long, powerful and luxurious.

Etude Pinot Noir, Carneros 2001
Price $40
Rating 93
A concentrated and complex nose is followed by mineral-driven flavors of lean black cherry and a slight hint of clove.

Fess Parker Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County 1998
Price $24
Rating 91
Earthy aromas are followed by flavors of brier patch fruit, slight menthol and resounding black cherry in the finish.

Fetzer Reserve Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara 2000
Price $28
Rating 89
Lighter aromas and flavors of red cherry with a bit of earth are found in this pinot noir. Serve this wine with delicately spiced foods.

Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2001
Price $40
Rating 94
Aromas of bright red fruit, followed by a complex array of flavors following suit. This is a very attractive pinot noir.

Flowers Pinot Noir "Andreen-Gale Cuvee" Sonoma Coast
Price $50
Rating 95
Aromas of complex dark fruit with hints of earth, then flavors of elegant, layered ripe fruit with beuatiful hints of leather and menthol in the long length.

Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir, Carneros 2001
Price $28
Rating 92
Aromas of ripe red cherry and mulberry, then flavors of earthy red fruit with a good, complex length.

Gloria Ferrer "Jose Ferrer Selection," Carneros 2000
Price $32
Rating 93
Complex flavors of black cherry with intriguing elements of freshly tilled garden soil. Aromas of red cherry and menthol lead the way.

Gloria Ferrer "Gravel Knob" Carneros 2000
Price $40
Rating 93
Subtle, more Burgundian styled aromas, then flavors of refined red cherry and an undertone of spice.

Gloria Ferrer "Rust Rock" Carneros 2000
Price $40
Rating 92
Maybe it is subliminal from the vineyard name, but there are notes of mineral in the nose along with bright red cherry notes. There are flavors of rich cherry with vibrant spice in the long finish.

Handley Cellars Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2001
Price $22
Rating 90
Refreshing aromas and flavors of ripe red cherry with a touch of mineral and forest complexity.

Hanzell Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sonoma Valley 1999
Price $69
Rating 95
More Burgundian in crafting than fruit-forward Californian, this complex pinot noir is packed with a spectrum of fruit complexities. "The Hanzell dirt shows throughout, reminding of this wine's pedigree," observes winemaker Daniel Docher. The average age of the vines is an impressive 37 years.

Ici/La-Bas Pinot Noir, Mendocino 2000
Price $29.99
Rating 93
There are aromas of bright red cherry with subtle earthiness, then flavors of ripe red cherry, earth, dark cocoa powder, menthol and orange peel.. Ici/La-Bas (pronounced ee-see le-bah) means "here and there."

Iron Horse Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2000
Price $33
Rating 90
Earthy aromas with some nice red jam, then flavors of red cherry, mint and a touch of lime. "I think that delicacy in winemaking is essential. It is a push-pull." says winemaker Forest Tancer.

Iron Horse "Corral Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2000
Price $60
Rating 93
Pleasant aromas of freshly tilled garden soil with a delicate, but complex array of red fruit complexity, then full flavors of red cherry, jam, nice spice and strawberry. The length is long, vibrant and complex.

Iron Horse "Thomas Road Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2000
Price $60
Rating 94
A more Burgundy inspired pinot noir from Iron Horse, and though the fruit is more subtle, the complexity steps forward to the forefront.

J Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Price $35
Rating 90
Spicey red fruit and root beer inspired flavors, with strawberry-cinnamon in the long finish.

Kenwood Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2001
Price $11
Rating 94
Lusious aromas of dark fruit jam are countered by flavors of a complex myriad of fruit, mineral and subtle spice. This is a terrific pinot noir.

King Estates Pinot Noir, Oregon 2000
Price $20.99
Rating 93
Subtle aromas of dark fruit, then flavors of complex red and black fruit. This red wine is very elegant.

King Estate Pinot Noir "Domaine" Oregon 2000
Price $50
Rating 94
The complex, concentrated nose contains black fruit and brier, then a sip delivers flavors of an array of ripe, concentrated fruit with gentle leather-like nuances.

Lane Tanner Pinot Noir "Bien Nacido Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley 2001
Price $27
Rating 92
Resounding aromas of red and black cherries with a touch of exotic spice, then jamy flavors of red cherry with more exotic spice and a wintergreen note laced in the long length.

Lane Tanner Pinot Noir, "Bien Nacido Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley 2000
Price $30
Rating 93
"This one I call boyish charm It wants to please, and it is right up in your face," comments winenmaker Lane Tanner. Her phylosophy is to harvest a little sooner than most do with pinot noir. The wines are not jammy. There are aromas of cherry and cassis, followed by flavors of crisp red fruit, earth, and a discrete toasty edge, with good length and complexity.

Lane Tanner Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard, Santa Maria 2000
Price $36
Rating 93
"This wine is the haunting other woman," says winemaker Lane Tanner. "It is darkest and richest. It reminds me of beautiful woman in a smoky bar. She is appealing, but you know that you shouldn't go there." There are flavors of blackberry and smoky earth. there is a very complex and a good length.

Lange "Three Hills Cuvee" Pinot Noir, Willamette
Price $39
Rating 93
The nose leads with hottish strawberry and spice. A sip offers decadent elements of a root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream float wrapped in flavors of red and black cherry with good length.

Longoria Pinot Noir "Bien Nacido Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley 2000
Price $35
Rating 94
Aromas of dark fruit and toasted oak, then complex flavors of black cherry, refined leather, delicate spice, and intriguing earthy notes in the long finish.

MacRostie Pinot Noir, Carneros 2000
Price $22
Rating 89
Ominous aromas laced with earth, green tobacco and luscious black cherry, then flavors of bright red fruit, a drop of lime and delicate mineral during the medium to good length.

Marcelina Pinot Noir, Carneros 2000
Price $36
Rating 92
While the nose seems closed, the flavors are of black cherry with a dusting of black pepper. The long trail of complexity opens up in the finish.

Mark West Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 2002
Price $12
Rating 88
Aromas of clean, red fruit, then flavors of the same. This is an honest, affordable pinot noir.

Mark West Pinot Noir, Sonoma County 2000
Price $16
Rating 89
Delicate impressions of red cherry and soft spice in the nose and in the mouth, through the medium to good length.

Merry Edwards Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2001
Price $29
Rating 90
Nice hints of floral contribute to the charming, red cherry nose. A sip offers red fruit and good balance.

Merry Edwards Pinot Noir "Olivet Lane" Russian River 2001
Price $50
Rating 90
Complex aromas of dark fruit and forest floor are followed by leanish, mineral driven flavors of black cherry and subtle wood.

Merry Edwards Pinot Noir "Windsor Gardens" Russian River 2001
Price $59
Rating 95
A lean and well balanced pinot, showcasing complex black cherry, mineral and forest complexity.

Merry Edwards Pinot Noir "Klopp Ranch" Russian River 2001
Price $59
Rating 95
The nose is lean and with mineral complexity. A sip reveals complex red fruit, earthy mineral and complexities of mushroom through the long, pleasurable length.

Merry Edwards Pinot Noir "Merideth Estate" Sonoma Coast 2001
Price $55
Rating 90
The nose is closed and the mouth is lean. There are flavors of dark fruit and stemmy herbal. Dark earth is in the middle. Maybe this wine needs more time to blossom, though showing complexity now.

Morgan Pinot Noir "Rosella's Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands 2000
Price $40
Rating 92
The nose is somber and mineral. the flavors are brisk with beautiful, ripe fruit and a touch of the rugged mineral of the area.

Morgan Pinot Noir "Garys' Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands 2000
Price $40
Rating 91
The flavors reveal red fruit and decaying leaves. This complex pinot will pair well with most foods.

Morgan Pinot Noir "Double L Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands 2000
Price $45
Rating 93
Luscious red cherry and spice sing through the glorious sip.

Morgan Pinot Noir "Santa Lucia Highlands" 2001
Price $40
Rating 92
A firm mineral and black fruit nose, then there are flavors of complex dark fruit and freshly tilled black earth.

Nepenthe Pinot Noir, Lenswood (Adelaide Hills) 1999
Price $17
Rating 91
The nose has spice and high notes. A sip offers spiced flavors of cooked red fruit and jam. Complexity resounds through the long length.

Papapietro "Perry Peter's Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2001
Price $49
Rating 90
Sharp red fruit flavors and aromas with toasty oak, this pinot is spicy, but hottish in the finish.

Paraiso Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2001
Price $28
Rating 90
Soft aromas of refined red cherries, then restrained but elegant red fruit in the mouth. Winemaker David Fleming suggests pairing this red with roast fowl, grilled salmon as well as almost any duck, beef or lamb preparation.

Paraiso Pinot Noir "Weat Terrace" Santa Lucia Highlands 2000
Price $36
Rating 92
Rich and vibrant aromas of complex red fruit, then crisp and complex flavors of complex red fruits with a touch of nice earthiness. Along with the neighboring "Pisoni Vineyard," Paraiso anchors the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. "This is the perfect locale for growing cool climate, world-class pinot," boasts winemaker David Fleming. "The 'West Terrace' occupies 41 contoured, alluvial acres on the mountainous Paraiso estate."

Ramsay Pinot Noir "Lot #16" North Coast 2001
Price $16.99
Rating 90
Rich, jammy aromas of strawberry, wild brier patch fruit and a touch of cocoa powder, then flavors of black cherry, strawberry, subtle nutmeg and nice reminders of freshly tilled garden soil in the long finish.

Raptor Ridge "Shea Vineyard" Willamette 2001
Price $39
Rating 93
This complex pinot starts out with strawberry and cream, then subtle olive in the nose, followed by flavors of complex red fruit, pepper, leather and anise in the compelling sip.

Rex Goliath 47 Pound Rooster Pinot Noir, Central Coast 2001
Price $9
Rating 90
A soft, earthy nose enveloped with dark, ripe fruit, then flavors black cherry and freshly-tilled garden earth.

Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir, Napa 1998
Price $33.99
Rating 92
Mature aromas of red fruit with spice, followed by mature and complex flavors in the mouth.

Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2000
Price $30
Rating 92
Complex aromas of spicy jam are followed by bright flavors of chewy cherry, spice and a dusting of roasted nuts. This is an exciting mouthful of red wine.

Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir, Carneros 2000
Price $33
Rating 93
First there are big, jam-like aromas of mulberry and black cherry, then flavors of chewy cherry, mulberry again, spice and a touch of nutty, milk caramel-like complexity.

Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, Russian River 2001
Price $17.99
Rating 91
Aromas of black cherry and nuances of toasted oak barrel, then flavors of earthy black cherry with grippingly well-balanced elements of toasted oak and earthy tar hints.

Rutz Cellars Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2000
Price $16.99
Rating 92
Jamy aromas of black cherry and mulberry, then flavors of exotic red and dark fruit laced with delicate nutmeg and cinnamon in the long, elegant length.

Rutz Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2001
Price $16.99
Rating 93
Lusious red fruit flavors with zingy spice and attitude are found in this pinot noir. Serve with bold, fusion cuisine and don't be shy about some spice.

Seghesio Pinot Noir "Keyhole Ranch" Russian River 2000
Price $25
Rating 89
A somber dark fuit nose with a bit of earthiness, then flavors of mulberry, black cherry and dark fruit confiture.

St. Innocent Pinot Noir "Seven Springs Vineyard" Willamette Valley 2001
Price $33
Rating 88
Greener fruit aromas laced with heavyhanded notes of tar and ash from the oak barrels, then flavors of gripping, but ever so slightly greenish fruit. The fruit should have possessed more ripeness as the vintage itself was very good for most producers.

St. Innocent Pinot Noir "Shea Vineyard" Willamette Valley 2001
Price $25
Rating 90
Aromas of black cherry with a touch of menthol, then flavors of black cherry with hints of complex earth and bits of tree bark.

Sterling Vineyards Pinot Noir "Winery Lake" Carneros/Napa Valley 1999
Price $28
Rating 92
Earthy flavors of cooked red fruit and decaying leaves are throughout this complex pinot noir.

Sterling Vineyards Pinot Noir "Winery Lake" Carneros/Napa Valley 2000
Price $28
Rating 91
Clean aromas and flavors of complex red cherry, then mineral and earthin the good length.

Sticks Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley 2002
Price $17
Rating 90
Spicy, sharp red fruit like cranberry, then black pepper and more spice are found in this pinot noir.

Testarossa Pinot Noir "Palazzio" 2001
Price $29
Rating 94
The Palazzio is a unique blend of pinot noir from three vineyards located in three distinct growing regions of California- Monterey, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. A sniff of the wine reveals ponderous red fruit and mineral/earth. A sip offers chewy ripe fruit with flavors of dried black cherry, nougat and subtle, but jammy fruit in the long length. Again there is earth/mineral in the finish.

Testarossa Pinot Noir "Sleepy Hollow" Santa Lucia Highlands 2001
Price $50
Rating 93
Complex black cherry and freshly-tilled black earth in the nose, followed by flavors of bright red cherry, black cherry and complex mineral through the good length.

Testarossa Pinot Noir "Bien Nacido Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley 2001
Price $50
Rating 95
A sniff explodes with vibrant red and dark fruit. The sip rewards with a complex array of ripe, complex dark fruit with exotic notes of lime peel and Asian spice.

Tohu Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2001
Price $19
Rating 89
There are delicate aromas of bright red cherry, then flavors of red cherry through the medium length, laced with a touch of mineral.

To Kairanga Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2000
Price $30
Rating 94
There is black cherry and gentle mocha in the nose, then there are flavors of orange citrus wrapped in red and black cherry, bright, concentrated, offering good ripeness without being overripe.

To Kairanga Reserve Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2000
Price $38
Rating 94
Earthy forest floor character with black cherry and savory/gamey notes in the nose, followed by concentrated red and black cherry, herbs, mocha, and hints of lime citrus. there is great complexity at such a young age. This wine should develop even further with time.

Torii Mor Pinot Noir, Oregon 2001
Price $23
Rating 88
Aromas of dark fruit and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder, then delicate flavors of red cherry drifting away in a medium length.

Turning Leaf Pinot Noir "Coastal Reserve" North Coast 2001
Price $9
Rating 90
Charming notes of red cherry and subtle spice. This pinot is rich and jammy.

Witness tree Pinot Noir, Willamette 2001
Price $24
Aromas of black cherry with nuances of ash and toast from the oak, then there are flavors of red cherry fruit with complex leather in the finish.

ZD Pinot Noir, Carneros 2000
Price $34
Rating 93
An earthy nose with aromas of fresh berries laced within, the flavors are a rich spectrum of red and black berries, with delicate earth notes in the finish. ZD, known for their commitment to using American oak barrels, admits that this is their only wine to be aged in French oak. The recipe is pretty established, in that ZD has been making a Carneros pinot noir since 1969.